On Inauguration Day, Wednesday, January 20, the Cathedral is closed and the rectory office is not staffed.
Msgr. Jameson shares the following prayer as we prepare for the ushering in of the new administration. May God continue to bless and protect our nation and democracy.
Prayer for our Country
We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom and justice
through Whom authority is rightly administered,
laws are enacted and judgments decreed,
assist, with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude,
the President of these United States;
that his administration may be conducted in righteousness
and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides,
by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion;
by a faithful execution of the laws of justice and mercy;
and by restraining vice and immorality.
Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress
and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government;
so that they may tend to the preservation of peace,
the promotion of national happiness,
the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge;
and may perpetuate to us the blessings of liberty.
We pray for all who are appointed to guard our political welfare;
that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection,
to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.
We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow citizens
throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge,
and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law;
that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give;
and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Abridged from a prayer by Archbishop Carroll, c. 1800.