Before you vote

Richard A. Sokerka

Election Day is around the corner. But there’s still time for Catholics to not only to read the U.S. Bishops’ statement, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” (http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/) but to also make a pre-election novena to Mary, the Immaculate Conception, who is patron of the U.S.

Reading “Faithful Citizenship” before going into the voting booth helps us to reflect on Church teaching on the major issues of our day, such as protecting human life, promoting peace, standing for marriage as the union of one man and one woman, religious freedom and a preferential option for the poor, to name a few, allowing us to the compare them to where the candidates stand.

After reflecting on “Faithful Citizenship,” take time to pray the Knights of Columbus’ novena, consisting of nine days of prayer, starting Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 7, the eve of the election.

“The Church teaches that Catholics are called to form their consciences based on Church teaching and vote in accordance with that well-formed conscience,” said Carl Anderson, Knights of Columbus CEO. “Pope Francis has said in reference to the U.S. election that we should ‘study the proposals well, pray and choose with your conscience,’ and this novena is designed to help Catholic Americans do that.”

The novena prayer reads:

“Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your Spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother, in union with Mary we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.

“Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage.

“Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our president and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy, born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick, the tempted, sinners — on all who are in need.

“Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our Mother, patron of our land, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you. Protect us from every harm. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the will of your divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.”

Form your conscience as a faithful Catholic citizen, pray the novena, and then cast your vote.