One more way of bringing Gospel values to our neighbours: On a board or committee

Dear brothers and sisters,

We hope you’re safe and healthy, and that you and your loved ones are well despite the continuing pandemic. With God’s grace, hopefully our present crisis will pass soon. Until then, please continue to pray for those researching a vaccine—and for all the most vulnerable among us, who are facing the worst of the pandemic.

We’re coming up for air after two very successful Catholic Action campaigns in Saskatchewan and British Columbia! What a pleasure and privilege to collaborate with our friends in the dioceses of Saskatchewan, and the B.C. Catholic. It was exciting to share our materials outside the GTA, and to reach new audiences of fellow Catholics and people of good will across the country.

We’re excited for what’s next: a free webinar we’re hosting on November 25. The topic is a unique one: Serving and loving our neighbours as Catholics, through service on a board of directors or a committee. Whether a parish council, or a charitable board, a neighbourhood association, or even a business board, so many Catholics find themselves being invited to serve on committees. Is there anything to be afraid of?  How does our Catholic faith apply to that work? And indeed, how can we grow in our faith in such work? We’re bring together three very experienced board leaders—including two former chairs of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto—to tell us about their work and how their Catholic faith influences that work. If you’ve ever considered serving on a board or committee and wanted to learn more, don’t miss this webinar! You’ll find all the details below. And you can register by clicking here.

As always—you’re in our prayers, and we’re so grateful for your love and support.

One more thing: We’re always looking for new ideas. New programs we can undertake or events we can put together to help grow Catholic civic and political leadership in Canada. If you have an idea, send us an email! So many of our programs thus far have been inspired by the ideas of others. You can reach us at matthew@catholicconscience.org and brendan@catholicconscience.org.

With love,
Matthew Marquardt & Brendan Steven

Upcoming Events

JOIN US WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 FROM 7-8 PM AND LEARN ABOUT SERVING ON A BOARD OR COMMITTEE AS A CATHOLIC

In 2020, Toronto Catholics marked the first annual Stewardship Sunday: a reminder that all our time, talent, and treasure are gifts of God’s love meant to be spent in service of others. One way we can offer our gifts to others is through serving on a board or committee whether of a charity, non-profit, business, or other institution. In this webinar, experienced Catholic board leaders will share their stories and you’ll learn:

• Who should consider serving on a board, and why;
• How Catholic social teaching calls us to serve our neighbours;
• How board service can help you grow in faith, particularly in serving your neighbours and living out your Gospel values; and,
• Explore opportunities to serve on a board.

Click here to RSVP and get all the event details!

Works of Mercy In Our Community

TORONTONIANS: HELP ST. PATRICK’S OUT OF THE COLD PROGRAM

Many Catholic Conscience supporters are parishioners at St. Patrick’s parish in downtown Toronto – in fact, Catholic Conscience can be said to have grown up there. So, we would be remiss not to share info about the winter expansion of St. Patrick’s Out of the Cold program. If you’re looking for a way help a neighbor this winter, here’s a great way to do it! Details below.

This year, with COVID-19, the programming for “Out of the Cold” has changed.  Meals are prepared for about 600 people and sent down to two downtown full-time shelters to help support their food supply, resources and mandate of care for our brothers and sisters who access their services.

Through a collaborative effort between St. Patrick’s Out of the Cold Program, Street Patrol – which normally operates in the summer months from St. Patrick’s, and Ignite Youth and Young Adult Ministry, we are offering WINTER STREET PATROL: “Into the Cold” beginning Sunday November 29th and running each Sunday until March, beginning at 4:00 pm sharp, and running until about 7:00 pm.  Gather at Neumann Hall (131 McCaul Street).  

As we cannot safely provide shelter on a weekly basis, we are taking it to the streets.

Brief Description of the Program:

• Our Core Team (made up of experienced Out of the Cold and Street Patrol Volunteers) will assemble to prepare coffee, soup, clothing and medical supplies to go on the walks.
• Casual Volunteers sign up for a day to join the walks.  These Volunteers bring with them a backpack with bagged lunches (sandwich, drink, fruit, sweet snack) which the Casual Volunteers will distribute on the walk.
• Our Van with extra supplies will follow the groups and set up stations and replenish supplies onroute.
• Casual Volunteers are accompanied on the walk by our Core Team.
• Provide referral information for safety, shelter and support services.

Commitment of Casual Volunteers

• Volunteers sign up for a particular day using our online registration platform. This will help with volunteer  count and contact tracing records.
• Volunteers respect and adhere to Health Safety Protocols and Social Distancing measures during the Program.
• Being Casual Volunteers, you commit to the days you want to participate.  If you are looking to participate on more than one occasion, you need to register for each day you will participate.
• Groups would ensure they sign up each person individually.  
• We can only take about 25 volunteers per walk (usually in two groups), so registration is due by the Wednesday prior to a particular Sunday, or until the week is full.
• Volunteers bring about 8-10 bagged lunches with them in a backpack.
• Volunteers should be prepared to walk in the weather conditions of the day, and be able to use public transport (Presto Card) should the group travel by transit to a specific destination.
• Except for the Van with extra supplies, the groups of volunteers led by the Core Team Members travel together for safety.

 
For More Information, please visit the Parish Website:  www.bit.ly/winterstreetpatrol-info

To Register as a Casual Volunteer, Visit the Online Portal:  www.bit.ly/winterstreetpatrol

Please share this information with anyone who might be interested in taking part in an opportunity to reach out to our brothers and sisters who call the streets their homes, and who are very much effected by the realities of COVID-19 in these winter months.

Thank you, and God Bless!

Conscience Conversations

THE ELECTION IS OVER, BUT THE POLITICS CONTINUE: OUR INTERVIEW WITH THE B.C. CATHOLIC

After working with the B.C. Catholic newspaper on delivering the Catholic Action campaign for that province’s election, our President Matthew Marquardt was interviewed about feedback the campaign received and his thoughts on the need for Catholic engagement in politics between election cycles.

I think there is wide agreement that none of the B.C. parties this election had a perfectly Catholic platform, and it’s possible, perhaps likely, that none of them ever will. But I think it’s also possible that all of them could end up having very good Catholic platforms. One of the reasons we can’t tell what impact we have in the election is that none of the parties is perfect, yet none of them is entirely opposed to all the teaching of the Church. There’s room for conversation. There’s room for respectful discourse. So I think that over time there’s certainly room for improvement.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

Serving Your Community

READ IN THE CATHOLIC REGISTER ABOUT HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE WINTER CLOTHES FOR KIDS IN NEED

“I guess people have had more time at home to do their tidying up and cleaning,” said Louise Coutu, executive director of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. “They feel very good if the items can go to a cause where they know it’s either going to be used by someone directly or that they can use the return for the goods.”

In operation for roughly 30 years, the Bundle Up program has been a conduit between people who want to give away their surplus clothing and those that are in need. On any given weekend the organization sends vehicles to six or seven different parishes across the GTA where parishioners are able to bring their goods to Mass and just put them right on the truck.

“It has kind of eliminated the old drop box idea where there’s a lot of contamination where items are left out the door and open to the elements,” said Coutu. “This way the goods come to us in better condition and it’s still convenient for the parishioner.”

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

From The Holy Father

DR. BRETT SALKELD ON “VOTING LIKE A CATHOLIC”

We are still processing the wisdom and insights of Pope Francis’ new encyclical, Fratelli tutti—on universal fraternity and particularly the vocation of politics. During the Saskatchewan election, the diocese of Saskatoon hosted us for a virtual conversation about the encyclical and the place of Catholics in Canadian politics. We were joined in that conversation by Dr. Brett Salkeld, the theologian-in-residence at the Archdiocese of Regina. Dr. Salkeld has written in the past about Catholic political vocation. We wanted to share a recent article of his on “voting like a Catholic”, which shares so much in common with our mission at Catholic Conscience:

Consider the following: What does it mean that American Catholics who identify as Republican or Democrat typically sound more like other, non-Catholic Republicans or Democrats than we sound like one another? We are happy to point out where we believe our party comports with the Gospel, but where it does not, we far too commonly downplay the irksome bit of Church teaching instead of critiquing our party with the Gospel. (We notice this pattern quite easily, by the way, when it is done by members of the other party.) Or, like Adam hoping he could hide his own guilt by blaming Eve, we think we can excuse the evils in our own parties because the other party is ostensibly worse.

This is a scandal! It shows that our priorities are often much more easily shaped by our partisan political commitments than by our faith. This is, to put it in the stark terms of the Bible, idolatry. And this idolatry is damaging our society, our Church, and our souls.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

What We’re Watching

FREE WEBINAR: CELEBRATE THE LIVING LEGACY OF DOROTHY DAY

Our Executive Director Brendan is a great admirer of legendary American Catholic activist and servant of the poor, Dorothy Day. Her biography Long Loneliness was a critical step for his return to the church, and she is an iconic example of Catholic citizenship in action. America Magazine and the Dorothy Day Guild are co-hosting an event to mark the 40^th anniversary of her death.

Join the Dorothy Day Guild and America Media as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of Servant of God Dorothy Day.

PANELISTS INCLUDE:
David Brooks, Op-ed Columnist, The New York Times
Anne Snyder, Editor in Chief, Comment magazine
Paul Elie, Senior Fellow, Georgetown University

Convener: Robert Ellsberg, Publisher, Orbis Books

Interviewer: Colleen Dulle, Assistant Producer, America Media

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

Prayer

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER TO THE CREATOR, FROM FRATELLI TUTTI

Pope Francis wrote this prayer as part of his new encyclical. Pray it in a spirit of universal solidarity, that Catholics may collectively be peacemakers in politics around the world—serving justice and human dignity wherever we serve.

Lord, Father of our human family,
you created all human beings equal in dignity:
pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit
and inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter,
dialogue, justice and peace.
Move us to create healthier societies
and a more dignified world,
a world without hunger, poverty, violence and war.
May our hearts be open
to all the peoples and nations of the earth.
May we recognize the goodness and beauty
that you have sown in each of us,
and thus forge bonds of unity, common projects,
and shared dreams. Amen.

Helping Catholics prayerfully and thoughtfully discern their vote

Dear brothers and sisters,

We’ve had a busy month here at Catholic Conscience! You may recall our Catholic Action campaign for the 2019 federal election—a voter education and get-out-the-vote program offering Catholics resources for prayerfully and thoughtfully discerning their own vote and encouraging them to exercise their sacred obligation to vote. This month, we’ve partnered with Catholic organizations in Saskatchewan and British Columbia to bring the campaign to those provinces for their provincial elections. In Saskatchewan, we’re honoured to have worked with all the Roman Catholic dioceses of the province and the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy. Our campaign there has included recorded interviews with all the political parties, party platform comparisons, vote pledges, and more! And in British Columbia, we’ve worked with the B.C. Catholic newspaper, which devoted twelve full pages to our party platform comparisons.

It’s been a hectic few weeks, but we’ve both felt struck with a profound gratitude. And so, we want to thank you all for the many ways you support the work of Catholic Conscience. Whether you simply enjoying reading this newsletter or our other resources, or you’ve volunteered with us, or attended one of our events in the past, know that we feel a deep calling to the vocation of growing Catholic civic and political leadership in Canada—a vocation made possible because of your support. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, and know that you are all in our prayers.

We’ll close by asking you all to say a special prayer for our fellow Canadians in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, who are going to the polls soon. You’ll find a prayer we’ve written for them at the end of this newsletter. May they all vote with the common good at heart—Saint Joseph, guide us!

With love,
Matthew Marquardt & Brendan Steven

Upcoming Events

BRITISH COLUMBIA GOES TO THE POLLS ON OCTOBER 24TH; SASKATCHEWAN, ON OCTOBER 26TH

Saint Joseph, Patron of Canada, pray for our fellow Canadians in Saskatchewan and British Columbia as they vote for their next provincial governments! Catholic Conscience was proud to partner with local Catholic organizations to deliver our Catholic Action campaign—a unique voter education and get-out-the-vote program for Catholic voters—in both provinces. In British Columbia, we worked with the B.C. Catholic to provide printed and digital versions of our party platform comparisons, offering the political parties’ key policies side-by-side with each other and relevant Catholic social teaching. In Saskatchewan, we partnered with the province’s Catholic dioceses to deliver a similar party platform comparison; along with resources for pastors writing homilies on the responsibility to vote, vote pledges for digital circulation, and interviews with each of the province’s political parties.

You can visit www.catholicconscience.org/saskatchewan2020 to see all our materials for the Saskatchewan election. And for British Columbia, visit www.catholicconscience.org/britishcolumbia2020.

Works of Mercy In Our Community

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT BY DONATING TO SHARELIFE BEFORE NOVEMBER 8TH

In less than three weeks, the annual ShareLife parish fundraising campaign in the Archdiocese of Toronto will end. Every year this campaign raises critical millions to support 40 different Catholic charities and agencies in Toronto, supporting our vulnerable neighbours through every method of outreach you can imagine. With COVID-19, our support for Catholic charities has never been more critical. From now until November 8th, a generous donor is matching every donation given to ShareLife up to $500,000—donate today and double your impact! Click below to chip in.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO SHARELIFE AND DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

Conscience Conversations

ARCHBISHOP DON BOLEN OF REGINA ON POLITICAL LOVE, THE COMMON GOOD, AND THE SASKATCHEWAN ELECTION

In this extraordinary reflection on political love and the common good, Bishop Don Bolen of the Archdiocese of Regina reflects on the current Saskatchewan election and says:

“I invite all of us to consider that an election is not merely a matter of deciding who to vote for, but a way in which we grow or fail in virtue. A way to build up or tear down our communities.”

Together, Saskatchewan Catholic voters can build up their communities by prayerfully and thoughtfully discerning their own vote, through their own conscience and the wisdom of Catholic social teaching. Watch the full reflection by clicking below.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ARCHBISHOP BOLEN’S FULL REFLECTION

Serving Your Community

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NEEDED IN THE GTA

If you have a licence, a vehicle, and are looking for opportunities to volunteer and help others during the pandemic—you are exactly the kind of person most in need right now. Volunteer drivers support myriad organizations by delivering food to vulnerable people, offering rides to seniors, and in many other ways. It’s a particularly crucial role and there’s a shortage of volunteer drivers right now. If you’re willing and able to help, click below to learn more from the GTA volunteer centres how you can raise your hand and sign-up to help.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER DRIVING IN THE GTA

From The Holy Father

WATCH OUR CONVERSATION ABOUT FRATELLI TUTTI—THE POPE’S CALL FOR A BETTER POLITICS

It has been our great privilege and pleasure to partner with the Roman Catholic dioceses of Saskatchewan in delivering the Catholic Action campaign for their provincial election. The Pope seemed to perfectly time his latest encyclical, Fratelli tutti—on social friendship and solidarity—for a time when Canadians are thinking about how we can do politics better.

Our team joined a conversation hosted by the diocese of Saskatoon, featuring Myron Rogal, the diocese’s Coordinator of Justice & Peace, and Dr. Brett Salkeld, the Archdiocese of Regina’s theologian-in-residence. Together we discussed the Pope’s idea of political love, politics as the “highest form of charity” and what that means, as well as a path forward for Catholic citizens to respond to the Pope’s call for a better politics.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL CONVERSATION

What We’re Watching

WATCH SASKATCHEWAN’S POLITICAL PARTIES ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

As part of the Catholic Action campaign in Saskatchewan, and in partnership with the dioceses of Saskatchewan, we interviewed representatives from each of Saskatchewan’s political parties. This wasn’t your ordinary, confrontational election debate, where candidates often spend more time attacking each other than talking about their own ideas. Instead, we interviewed each representative one-on-one, asking a range of questions rooted in Catholic social teaching—covering topics like life and human dignity, care for God’s creation, community and the common good, and so much more.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO

Prayer

A PRAYER FOR VOTERS IN SASKATCHEWAN AND BRITISH COLUMBIA

We recently shared this prayer on Facebook—written to help voters in Saskatchewan discern their vote. We share it with you and encourage you to pray for our fellow Canadians in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, who will soon be voting.

Saint Joseph, Patron of Canada, I ask for your blessing and guidance as my fellow Canadians prepare to cast their vote in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Help them to reflect prayerfully on each of the parties and candidates and discern in their consciences which of these they believe will best serve the common good of all the people.

As they do so, remind them, Saint Joseph, that it is the highest calling of every Christian to love God and to love our neighbours; and that whatever we do to the least among us, we do to Christ himself.

Saint Joseph, protect and guide all your people—that we may together build a more just, loving, and united community, aimed at the common good of all; and together love our neighbours and build the Kingdom of Heaven, in honour of your foster son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

For the future of Saskatchewan, I pray, 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯, 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦…

Amen.

“Brothers and sisters, all”

Dear friends,

We have something to celebrate this coming October—news that Pope Francis is finishing a new encyclical, Frutelli tutti, which will be released for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 3rd.

This Pope always has something important to tell us about the way we relate to and love our neighbours—including (and perhaps especially!) those who do not share our Catholic faith. In the Holy Father’s uniquely warm yet realistically paternal spirit, Frutelli tutti (“Brothers and sisters, all” in English) will address the theme of human fraternity, that is recognizing each other as brothers and sisters, and the importance of this in the contemporary world for the promotion of peace, harmony and solidarity between individuals and nations.”

We look forward to reading the full encyclical and sharing with you the ways it can be applied to your own unique charism as a Catholic leader, witness, and citizen here in Canada. This is the purpose of this newsletter, and all of Catholic Conscience’s work: to help you love your neighbours through practical and realistic works in the community, civic, and political life.

We hope you enjoy this newsletter—and we always welcome feedback and ideas for what can be included in future additions! You can reach us at matthew@catholicconscience.org or brendan@catholicconscience.org.

As always, you’re in our prayers—may you remain safe and healthy in these challenging times.

With love,
Matthew Marquardt & Brendan Steven

Upcoming Events

WE’RE EXCITED TO BRING THE CATHOLIC ACTION CAMPAIGN TO SASKATCHEWAN IN 2020

Saskatchewan is set to hold a provincial election this fall, and we’re proud to be offering Saskatchewan Catholic voters a localized version of our Catholic Action campaign in partnership with Saskatchewan’s Catholic community. We first launched the Catholic Action campaign for the 2019 provincial election—a non-partisan, get-out-the-vote and voter education initiative. Catholic Action is centered on educating Catholic voters about Catholic social teaching and how they relate to relevant political issues; and mobilizing the Catholic community to go out and vote. Our first Catholic Action campaign was for the 2019 federal election, an unprecedented effort that reached thousands of Catholic voters in the GTA. It included our popular Conscience Cards, one-page briefs on themes of Catholic social teaching and its relation to relevant election issues. We’re excited to be bringing Catholic Action to Saskatchewan, to help Saskatchewan Catholic voters prayerfully and thoughtfully discern their vote in this provincial election.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 2020 SASKATCHEWAN CATHOLIC ACTION CAMPAIGN 

Works of Mercy In Our Community

HELP TORONTO KIDS RETURN TO SCHOOL WITH THE ANGEL FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING

As students across Canada begin a new school year and return to classrooms, there’s a great deal of anxiety among parents, teachers, and kids about the reality of education during COVID-19.

We can help support students returning to class through our donations. For example: here in Toronto, the Angel Foundation for Learning—the official charity of the Toronto Catholic District School Board—works to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to succeed, through special support programs for kids who need them.

Consider a donation to the Angel Foundation this year, in solidarity and support of students returning to class under difficult circumstances.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ANGEL FOUNDATION

AND CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

Conscience Conversations

Bigger is not always better, says the B.C. Catholic

In a recent article for the B.C. Catholic, writer Paul Schratz reviewed the too-little known Catholic social teaching principle of subsidiarity—and why it’s a vital principle to keep in mind when thinking about politics from a Catholic perspective. Paul quoted at length from our recent Conscience Conversation on the topic of subsidiarity:

“[Subsidiarity] stands between the twin monsters of collectivism – the idea that all decision-making should be made by larger aggregations of distant governing bodies – and individualism, the idea that all power should be invested in individuals and that only individual interests should drive societal decision-making.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM THE B.C. CATHOLIC

OR CLICK HERE TO READ OUR CONSCIENCE CONVERSATION ON SUBSIDIARITY

Serving Your Community

ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

On September 20, the Archdiocese of Toronto launched its first-ever Stewardship Sunday—a celebration and call to stewardship. Stewardship is a critical theme for us here at Catholic Conscience. Everything we have and everything we are—our time, talents, and treasures—do not belong to us, but rather, are loaned to us by God. In turn, we are called to use those gifts for the benefit of all—to multiply God’s gifts through good works. Our mission at Catholic Conscience is to inspire a sense of stewardship among Catholics, to offer their gifts in civic and political life. We hope you enjoy the Stewardship Sunday resources as much as we did.
 
Click here to watch Cardinal Collins’ homily for Stewardship Sunday.
 
To mark Stewardship Sunday, the Archdiocese also produced this wonderful video thanking all those who have worked so hard and volunteered to support the re-opening of parishes. Click here to watch.
 
Last but not least, read Cardinal Collins’ pastoral letter Stewardship, which reflects on these critical themes at length:
 
Cardinal Collins’ pastoral letter, “Stewardship”, is both a reflective guide and an urgent exhortation for Catholics to be aware of God’s gracious gifts and to live fully, gratefully, in service to others through sharing of time, talent, and treasure. He begins by unpacking the meaning of stewardship in Christian life. In this section, he offers the context for stewardship: the acknowledgement that we have received everything from God, and are “asked to make good use of what has been entrusted to us.” We are called to live as stewards with “creativity and boldness” and to regularly examine how we use the gifts that we have been given.

From The Holy Father

Read in the National Catholic Reporter more details about Pope Francis’ upcoming encyclical, clearly inspired by the life and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi:

Pope Francis will travel to Assisi Oct. 3 to sign an encyclical on the social, political and economic obligations that flow from a belief that all people are children of God and therefore brothers and sisters to one another.

The Vatican press office, confirming the pope’s trip, said the document will be titled “Fratelli Tutti” in Italian or “Brothers and Sisters All.”

Conventual Franciscan Fr. Mauro Gambetti, custodian of the Assisi convent, said the document “will indicate to the world a style for the future and will give the church and people of goodwill the responsibility for building it together.”

“The pope is clearly inspired by Francis of Assisi who, in following Jesus, recognized in fraternity, lived under the sign of mutual and loving service, the horizon of a fulfilled and happy humanity,” Gambetti added.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE

What We’re Watching

HOW TO VOTE CATHOLIC

We greatly enjoyed this video produced by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on “how to vote Catholic.” It’s a great, short video resource on how any Catholic can prayerfully and thoughtfully reflect on their vote through Scripture and Catholic social teaching, to discern and form your conscience and cast your vote with the dignity of all in mind.

“By voting we help to determine and structure the common good. One of the core teachings of Christ is love your neighbour. This [voting] is a way of expressing our love for neighbour—by looking at our Christian principles and teachings of Christ and raising the question, who is best addressing the needs of my neighbours?”

With elections underway in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, and a federal election possible at any time, it’s a great introduction for Catholics who want to learn about the process of determining their vote through formation of conscience and Catholic faith.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Prayer

STRONG IN TRIBULATION: PRAYERS FOR PANDEMICS

Earlier this year, the Vatican published a special book of prayers specially for pandemics. You can click here to read the entire book. Consider saying these prayers that God might deliver us from COVID-19, which has taken too many lives and caused such extraordinary harm to the world.

As you pray these prayers, please keep in your heart our brothers and sisters in British Columbia and Saskatchewan—that despite these circumstances, each citizen in those provinces discern their vote thoughtfully, by educating themselves on the party platforms and a positive vision for their community’s future.

Prayer for Liberation from the Epidemic to Our Lady of Divine Love

O Mary, You shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the cross, united with Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.

You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that, as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us. He who took our sufferings upon Himself and burdened Himself with our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of Resurrection.

Amen.

June 2020 Common Good Catholic (Newsletter)

Thinking of St. Francis, and asking God to make us instruments of His peace

Dear friends,

I’m sure we all wondered what further chaos and discord 2020 could bring. And of course, 2020 did not disappoint us. The death of George Floyd in the United States and other people of colour across North America has sparked painful social upheaval. We have seen both peaceful protests and deadly riots in our cities. And everywhere, we see pain and anguish—the pain of those of our neighbours who feel racism’s heavy burden and sharp sting; the pain of family members who have lost loved ones; the pain of those whose lives have been injured in these riots, people who were already suffering as a result of coronavirus. These issues provoke powerful emotions and senses of injustice. Amidst such upheaval, what are Catholic citizens called to do?

For us, the Prayer of Saint Francis comes to mind. Those beautiful words that are so hard to live: Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offence, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light. How do we stand amidst pain, anger, and injustice, and live those words? Amid these tense and polarized issues, it is easy to see those we disagree with as inhuman monsters. God does not see them that way. He sees them as unique, irreplaceable, precious children, imbued with a dignity that comes from Him.

How do we respect the dignity of those we disagree with? It starts by listening more than talking. Hearing the suffering of others and treating it like the suffering of a dear family member. And then acting—addressing the suffering in a constructive, empowering way. Refusing to harm others in the process. Seeking a peace rooted in justice—the exact kind of peace we are called to create, in building the Kingdom of God.

May the Lord make you an instrument of his peace. We need those instruments now like never before.

With love,
Matthew Marquardt & Brendan Steven

WORKS OF MERCY IN OUR COMMUNITY

SUPPORT AWARD-WINNING CATHOLIC JOURNALISM: DONATE TO THE CATHOLIC REGISTER
 
Journalism is essential in a democracy like ours. Journalists bring us essential information about our culture, politics, and economies which help us discern the truth and determine our actions as citizens—how we vote, how we serve, and more. Journalism has been especially critical during COVID-19, so Canadians have access to the most up-to-date information for keeping themselves and their families safe. We are blessed in Canada to have access to high-quality Catholic journalism, in particular from the Catholic Register. We are especially blessed because that journalism is free—unlike many other media sites, the Register does not charge readers for its news.
 
The Register has delivered faith-based journalism for over 125 years. Let’s help them continue for another 125. Please consider a donation in support of the mission of Catholic journalism. Click here to read the Catholic Register—and be sure to bookmark it on your browser! It’s always a great source of Catholic news. And click here to make a donation.

CONSCIENCE CONVERSATIONS

CONSCIENCE CONVERSATION: What is subsidiarity? Understanding one of “the most constant… directives of the Church’s social doctrine

Many Catholics understand Catholic ideas of the common good and solidarity. But what about the third essential pillar of that triad, subsidiarity? Subsidiarity is the principle that social decisions should always be pushed to the lowest level that they can be responsibly left to. In their latest Conscience Conversation, Matt and Brendan explore the idea of subsidiarity and how it informs Catholic thinking on political and communal life.

“Properly applied, subsidiarity is a critical tool for preserving individual and social freedom, which itself is one of the fundamental values of the Church’s social teaching.  The idea is that each of us should retain the maximum responsible amount of control over our own lives, so that we can put the unique gifts God has entrusted to us to work in seeking our own proper paths back to God. Government should not do things that can responsibly be left to us to do for ourselves, or left to our families or our communities; to ethical and responsible private initiatives such as business, civil society organizations, the press, schools, or the church; or to more-localized levels of government… this enables each of us to maximize our opportunities for learning and growth. It also ensures that policies reflect of the legitimate and particular needs and concerns of local communities, respecting that it is most often these local communities that best understand their needs.”

Read the rest of the conversation by clicking here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 11
End of Life Issues: Legal and Ethical Considerations – 2020 Update
 
Our friends at the Thomas More Lawyers Guild of Toronto are organizing an event looking at proposed amendments to Canada’s euthanasia law and its implications for Catholic lawyers and society at large. Details below:
 
The Guild, in collaboration with the Newman Centre Catholic Mission (U of T), is co-sponsoring a program on the proposed amendments to the euthanasia law in Canada.  The Law Society of Ontario has accredited the program with two (2) CPD Professionalism hours.
 
On February 24th, 2020, the federal government introduced Bill C-7 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying). The law in Canada is evolving rapidly towards a “euthanasia on demand” regime. As Catholic lawyers, this program will assist us in responding to the evolving areas of euthanasia, assisted suicide and assisted death in Canada through a renewed understanding of the key dimensions of a Catholic vision of care for the seriously ill and dying. The principles that guide Catholics through medical treatment and pain control decisions will be examined, including the role of wills, powers of attorney and other advanced directives (such as living wills) and legal safeguards. The importance of spiritual preparation for death and accompanying the seriously ill and dying will also be considered.
 
We hope you will join us for this important webinar on Thursday, June 11th from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.  You can register by simply clicking here.
 
There is no charge for this CPD program.  Donations are gratefully accepted.  Funds will be used to defray the costs of the webinar and net proceeds will be shared equally between the Guild and the Newman Centre Catholic Mission. 

SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY

PAN-CANADIAN VOLUNTEER MATCHING PROGRAM: Use this tool to find volunteer opportunities that match your skills and passions, right where you live
 
Community leaders like you are needed like never before. Many of us remain in lockdown, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t creative and critical ways to volunteer and serve our neighbours from home! This is a great tool created by Volunteer Canada to help identify volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and skill sets where you live. You can find volunteer opportunities based on your location, how you want to serve, who you want to serve, what causes you want to serve, what skills you want to develop, and more. Follow God’s call to lead your community: click here to use the tool.

FROM THE HOLY FATHER

FROM THE HOLY FATHER: The Pope’s message to the English-speaking world about racism and street violence
 
As always, Pope Francis is a model for all of us when it comes to engaging in the public square with our faith and values in mind. In his General Audience of June 3, the Holy Father addressed the scourge of racism and the sometimes-violent street demonstrations that are taking place across the English-speaking world:
 
“We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life… “At the same time, we have to recognize that ‘the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost’.”
 
Watch the Pope’s entire message by clicking here.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: Should Canada have a four-day work week?

With so many Canadians working from home and facing the challenges that come from working indoors for so much of their days, many have begun to consider the merits of implementing a four-day work week. Finding the balance between work and life-giving leisure is an important theme in Catholic social teaching, and its analysis of the role of employment in society. “When the organization of work takes the family hostage or blocks its progress, then we can be certain society has begun working against itself,” Pope Francis has said. Many of us are addicted to work, with harmful side effects for our families and communities. Catholic social teaching places great emphasis on the dignity imparted by work which supports the common good, but also cautions against work that undermines a balance with other essential parts of life like family and prayer. This segment of TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin brings together experts to discuss the advantages and challenges of a four-day work week.

Click here to watch the full panel.

PRAYER

THE PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS
 
Pray for all of those who live burdened by the injustice of racism, and those whose lives have been harmed by the social upheaval across North America. Keep them all in your hearts.
 
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Master, let me not seek as much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.

May 2020 Common Good Catholic (Newsletter)

Coming closer to God, our Christian community, and to the Canadians we serve – even as we remain apart Dear friends,

We hope you and your families are safe and healthy as we continue our lockdown in the face of coronavirus. This has been a strange time for all of us. It’s been defined by so much fear—for our own health, the health of our loved ones, and the health of our wider society. And of course, for so many, those fears have been cruelly realized. Too many have died from this terrible disease and too many loved ones have been lost. We pray for all of those who have suffered loss at this time.

At the same time, we remain hopeful for the future of Canada and our fellow Canadians because we’re seeing extraordinary solidarity within our communities. Beyond this, so many are growing closer to God in this time. We hear from so many friends and family that there is more praying, more spiritual thinking, more striving to understand God’s purposes for us. And of course, even as we are isolating, we continue to serve our neighbours—donating our time and money, offering hot meals, comforting the sick and afflicted, and more. We at Catholic Conscience continue our program planning for 2020. We’re excited to bring you new programs and events once this crisis passes—all aimed at our mission of forming Common Good Catholics rooted in Catholic social teaching, to serve Canadians in politics and civic life.

We hope you enjoy this edition of the Common Good Catholic, rich with stories of hope and Christian love in dangerous times. May they remind you that even as we remain physically isolated from one another, our collective love for neighbour has never been stronger. We hope you find your own way to express that love through concrete acts of service. Read below for just some ways you can give of yourself!

With love,
Matthew Marquardt & Brendan Steven

WORKS OF MERCY IN OUR COMMUNITY

HOMELESS PEOPLE ARE AT A GREATER RISK OF COVID-19. LUCKILY, THERE’S A GOOD SHEPHERD.
 
On the streets of Toronto, Good Shepherd Ministries is a comforting name. A Catholic agency, the Good Shepherd provides hot meals, clean clothes, a clean bed, and more for homeless people living in Toronto. Good Shepherd brings together volunteers, donors, religious, and others to bring dignity and love to those living on the streets. In the words of their Executive Director, Brother David Lynch, “Homelessness isn’t my problem. It isn’t your problem. It isn’t the government’s problem. It isn’t the faith community’s problem. Homelessness is our problem. Only when we work together can we make a difference.” Let’s work together with them, now when our neighbours need us more than ever before.
 
Read more about Good Shepherd Ministries on the Archdiocese of Toronto’s blog by clicking here. And click here to donate to Good Shepherd Ministries and support their work during COVID-19—let’s stand with the most vulnerable among us and see Christ in every person!

CONSCIENCE CONVERSATIONS

CONSCIENCE CONVERSATION: The greatest act of solidarity in the history of the world

In this edition of our Conscience Conversations, Matt and Brendan reflect on the everyday heroism and holiness of ordinary people in the time of COVID-19— “A holiness found in our next-door neighbours, those who, living in our midst, reflect God’s presence.”

“In this moment of agony I can’t help but see God’s reflection in all those around me and across the country, Christian and irreligious alike. I see it in every kindness and small act of service. And I see how these little actions, compelled by the Holy Spirit, are together moving mountains of holiness in the world. An enormous plurality of humanity is locked indoors together. Is this the greatest single act of solidarity in the history of the world? Billions of people huddled inside, to prevent the transmission of a virus which destroys the life of the most vulnerable among us? I can’t help but see the holiness in that. I can’t help but drink up its implications.”

Read the full conversation by clicking here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GLOBAL CATHOLIC CLIMATE MOVEMENT: #LiveLaudatoSi Learning Webinar on Women of Faith & Ecoleaders
 
Our friends at Global Catholic Climate Movement are hosting a webinar with two women of faith leading the way in building an integral human ecology and sustainable future for the world. This webinar is a part of Laudato Si Week, an excellent time to reflect on the crisis of climate change and how we can collectively build an economy and culture which promotes the full, authentic development of the human person, closely connected to God’s creation, as Pope Francis called for in his ground-breaking Laudato Si exhortation.
 
Click here to RSVP!

SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY

Join the COVID-19 Volunteer Response Team

Volunteer Toronto—Canada’s largest volunteer centre, connecting volunteers to the organizations that need them—has been organizing a special volunteer response team for COVID-19. They periodically send email updates to subscribers, sharing volunteer roles to help play a part in serving those most affected by the crisis. Sign-up if you’re still looking for ways to help your community get through this struggle.

Click here to sign-up.

FROM THE HOLY FATHER

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: Cardinal Collins’ reflection for Catholic Education Week

In the parish, the home, and the school, we are blessed in Ontario to enjoy world-class Catholic education across our province. This education grounds us in our faith, our Gospel values, and it’s where the mission of forming Common Good Catholics begins—for the good of us all. We greatly enjoyed last week’s reflection on Catholic education by Cardinal Thomas Collins, as Ontarians celebrated Catholic Education Week.

“That’s what Catholic education is all about: It lifts us beyond ourselves, and sends us out to serve our neighbour, and in doing that, to serve our Lord God.”

Watch the full reflection by clicking here.

To learn more about Catholic education in our province, follow Catholic Education in Ontario on Facebook by clicking here.

PRAYER

THE PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS
 
Pray for all of those who live burdened by the injustice of racism, and those whose lives have been harmed by the social upheaval across North America. Keep them all in your hearts.
 
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Master, let me not seek as much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.

At the end of April, our Holy Father wrote and shared two new prayers with the Catholic faithful, both aimed at bringing a swift end to the coronavirus crisis. Please join the Catholic community all around the world in praying these words with our Pope.

First Prayer to Our Lady

O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.
“Protectress of the Roman people”,
you know our needs,
and we know that you will provide,
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection.
Amen.

We fly to your protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from every danger,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

The second Prayer

“We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God”.
In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under your protection.

Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment.

Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.

Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity and continued health.

Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone.

Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus.

Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity.

Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.

Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.

To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

THE PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS
 
Pray for all of those who live burdened by the injustice of racism, and those whose lives have been harmed by the social upheaval across North America. Keep them all in your hearts.
 
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Master, let me not seek as much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.

April 2020 Common Good Catholic (Newsletter)

Living with Christian hope during the worst pandemic of our lives

 Dear friends,

These are strange and unsettling times. Every day we read and hear fresh news about the COVID-19 pandemic, provoking anxiety and fear. For myself, times like these make me especially thankful for the gift of faith. One of my favourite lines from Scripture is Luke 22:42, “Yet not my will, but yours be done.” We trust God will lead us through this trial and closer to Him. In these strange times, our Pope’s pastoral mastery is a constant comfort. I’m sure many of you participated in the global rosary the Holy Father led on March 19. Pope Francis once described the church as a battlefield hospital: “The thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity.” The Church as healer, as hospital for the wounded, is a vision that has never felt more relevant than now.

Here at Catholic Conscience, all of you—and all Canadians—are in our prayers. This is the first edition of our new monthly e-newsletter, jam-packed with the latest updates on Catholic citizenship and the work of our community in the world. We hope it comforts you and fills you with Christian hope in these dark times. We just completed Catholic Conscience’s strategic planning process, with many new programs and events to come. But for now, like you, we await the passing of this trial. We stand with you—together in solidarity!

With love,
Matthew Marquardt & Brendan Steven

WORKS OF MERCY IN OUR COMMUNITY

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CONTINUES SERVING THE POOR AMIDST CORONAVIRUS

For Catholics, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a household name—many parishes have a Vincentian conference dedicated to serving Christ by serving our most vulnerable neighbours. The primary method of Vincentian service is person-to-person contact: building community and relationship by visiting vulnerable neighbours in their homes, providing food vouchers, clothing vouchers, and other supports. With the COVID-19 pandemic those home visits have been suspended, but Vincentians continue to serve. One Toronto conference is mailing community members food vouchers. The Greater Toronto Central Council, which oversees all Vincentian conferences in the GTA, continues their special works serving many of those most vulnerable to COVID-19: the elderly, the sick, those living with disabilities, addictions, and other challenges.

We must work together as a community to protect and uplift those people Christ loved most—the most vulnerable are those he most identified with. Consider a donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Central Council to support their work in this difficult time.

Click here to see their website.
Click here to donate.

CONSCIENCE CONVERSATIONS

Serving in the “field hospital” with prayer and quiet service

Pope Francis once described the Church as a “field hospital” for healing wounds. That mission has never felt more apt in the era of the coronavirus pandemic. Matt and Brendan discuss what it means to love and serve our neighbour in this crisis, and how Catholic citizens must rise to this moment. In the words of Pope Francis: “Prayer and quiet service—these are our victorious weapons.”

Read the full conversation by clicking here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Spiritual Resources for the COVID-19 Pandemic
 
Usually we will use this section to highlight upcoming events and initiatives you can participate in—but of course, all events are currently on-hold. That has included a suspension of public Masses. How can we stay connected to the life of the Church and our life as Christians, even as we remain indoors and physically distant from each other? The Archdiocese of Toronto has compiled these excellent spiritual resources for this moment, including instructions on how to receive a Spiritual Communion—click here and learn more.
 
We may not be praying together in church, but we are all praying together in spirit!

SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY

FRIENDLY NEIGHBOUR HOTLINE: To help vulnerable seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic

University Health Network’s OpenLab in Toronto is helping vulnerable seniors—the group most at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic—by mobilizing volunteers to deliver groceries and other household essentials. The service gives priority to seniors living in low-income housing. Since this initiative was first announced on March 13, 2020, close to 600 volunteers have stepped forward to offer assistance to the thousands of seniors living in low-income housing across the city. Together, they operate the Friendly Neighbour Hotline, a single phone number seniors living in low-income housing in Toronto can call, connected to a network of volunteers throughout the city who can help with picking up groceries and household essentials during this difficult time.

If you’re looking for a way to support your vulnerable neighbours in Toronto during this crisis, this is a great way to do it!

Click here to learn more and become a volunteer.

FROM THE HOLY FATHER

FROM THE HOLY FATHER: The Pope’s special Easter Message for social movements
 
“Our civilization—so competitive, so individualistic, with its frenetic rhythms of production and consumption, its extravagant luxuries, its disproportionate profits for just a few—needs to downshift, take stock and renew itself.” These are just some of the extraordinary words of Pope Francis in a special letter addressed to social movements around the world—inspiring words as the Pope calls on organizations like ours to continue our work building a more just and humane world.
 
“I hope that this time of danger will free us from operating on automatic pilot, shake our sleepy consciences and allow a humanist and ecological conversion that puts an end to the idolatry of money and places human life and dignity at the center.”
 
Click here to read more excerpts from this beautiful letter.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Revolution of the Heart, the Dorothy Day Story

A new documentary on the life and Christian witness of Dorothy Day—the legendary American Catholic convert and political activist—is bringing new light and attention to the example of this extraordinary woman. Though American, Dorothy’s personal and public commitment to Catholic social teaching—in her own life and in her political activism—is legendary. She is a shining example of what it means to be an active Catholic citizen.

Through Dorothy Day’s journey from young, communist journalist, to her awakening as co-founder of The Catholic Worker newspaper and “houses of hospitality,” sheltering and feeding New York City’s homeless during the Great Depression, emerges a portrait of a selfless woman who followed her heart to better the lives of those less fortunate.

You can watch the entire documentary for free via PBS by clicking here.

PRAYER

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER TO MARY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.