French bishops order prayers for the nation on August 15
August 07, 2012
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The Catholic bishops of France have asked the faithful to pray for their country on August 15, as a Socialist government considers legalizing same-sex marriage and euthanasia.
The French bishops are reviving a tradition that began with King Louis XIII, who first ordered a “prayer for France” in all churches on the feast of the Assumption. The tradition had fallen into disuse in recent years.
The prayer to be read in all French Catholic churches on August 15 includes a petition for legislators, that “their sense of the common good will overcome special demands.” The text asks support for "the development of our young people through strong and faithful families."
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Posted by: koinonia -
Aug. 07, 2012 9:39 PM ET USA
There are statistics about how mainstream Catholics in France tend to respond to orders- including laws of the Church regarding attendance at Mass. (60% "never or hardly ever" attended Mass in 2000). Consequently, it is likely to be the more ostracized Catholics of France who will actually be present to participate on the feastday. Catholicism is universal, and all of us ought to contribute our prayers in charity and in solidarity to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ living in France.
