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Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori is encouraging Catholics to engage in prayerful reflection before voting in the upcoming presidential election on November 5. As vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he emphasized the importance of discernment in a recent USCCB Catholic Current video.
“This is a matter of prayerful discernment. A lot of times people don’t think about the need to pray, to discern before one votes,” Archbishop Lori stated.
He further noted, “If we Catholics engage in a prayerful, reflective process and we elevate the conversation, we are contributing to the common good of our country.”
In an email sent on October 24 to Maryland Catholics, Archbishop Lori recommended reading the USCCB’s document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility” and participating in the Novena for Faithful Citizenship. The novena includes prayers, Bible passages, and reflection questions aimed at fostering justice and peace.
The "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" document outlines how Catholic social teachings relate to policy issues. It highlights that protecting human life from conception is crucial when voting. The introductory note states, “The threat of abortion remains our pre-eminent priority because it directly attacks our most vulnerable and voiceless brothers and sisters and destroys more than a million lives per year in our country alone.” It also addresses other significant threats such as euthanasia, gun violence, terrorism, the death penalty, and human trafficking.
Catholics are encouraged to consider various issues like marriage redefinition, religious freedom threats, justice for the poor, migrant suffering, global conflicts and famines, racism, healthcare needs, education access, and environmental care before casting their votes.
“All threaten the dignity of the human person,” according to teachings from bishops.
Archbishop Lori highlighted Pope Francis’ statement on political participation: “We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.”
He also stressed discussing these contentious topics with charity and civility: “Faithful Citizenship helps us look beyond and behind sound bites and partisanship,” he wrote in his email. “It encourages respectful and thoughtful dialogue in the political process. We can contribute to overcoming the bitter divisions that beset our country through our prayers and example.”
The Novena for Faithful Citizenship begins each day with a prayer to the Holy Spirit and concludes with a prayer by St. John Paul II to Mary’s Immaculate Heart.
“Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of redemption: the power of merciful love,” it reads. “May it put a stop to evil. May it transform consciences. May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen.”
Zoey Maraist reported this story from Virginia for OSV News.
While no specific start date exists for beginning this novena cycle ahead of Election Day on November 5th; those wishing completion by then should start on October 28th.
Resources including USCCB's "Faithful Citizenship" document along with related materials are available online.
