Washington, D.C. (15 June 2010) – American Life League president Judie Brown is calling on supporters to dedicate themselves to prayer for the Catholic bishops’ spring assembly this week in St. Petersburg, Florida. Brown will issue a new prayer and accompanying commentary every day of the weeklong meeting.
“Each Catholic bishop is blessed with gifts that prepare him to be a mentor to each of his priests, providing each one of them with the encouragement, inspiration and teaching that is needed, especially in dire times such as those the Church faces today.
“The most recent example of this call to be father, brother and friend to his priests is that of Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the diocese of Phoenix, Arizona. He used a tragic event—a procured abortion in a Catholic hospital—to teach not only his priests, but his flock, what it means to be a faithful priest, willing to do what is necessary to defend Christ and His teaching. Even though the event unfolded as a media circus that at times portrayed Bishop Olmsted as ‘angry’ and ‘fanatical,’ he persisted in teaching the truth with courage and charity.
“Regardless of those who disagreed with his words and actions, Bishop Olmsted remained faithful, setting an example in word and deed. There can be no finer example of a father, brother and friend for those priests entrusted to his care.
“By lovingly but firmly dealing with a situation that came to his attention, Bishop Olmsted inspired many Catholics the world over. And we pray that he most importantly touched the hearts of each of his priests with what it means to act as the Christ-bearer that each ordained priest, including each bishop, is called to be.”
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we pray the Holy Spirit will enlighten each Catholic bishop who is attending the special assembly dedicated to prayer and reflection on the theme, “Bishop as Agent of Hope for His Priests.” Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, we pray that the hearts and minds of the bishops will be inspired anew to rededicate themselves selflessly to their priests in every situation, regardless of the challenges that he may face. We pray that Our Lady’s love surrounds each of them as they proceed in their prayer and reflection this week. Amen.
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Catholic Sentinel: Nurturing Hope (15 June 2010) http://www.sentinel.org/node/11219
- American Life League www.ALL.org