Prayer Service for the Nation Held Days Prior to the Election, Hosted by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington

“One Nation Under God” Reminds Us Not to Fear, Calls for Unity 

ARLINGTON, Va. - Last night, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, led an hour prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Va. The service, “One Nation Under God,” was a Holy Hour in which the faithful gathered in prayer and reverence before the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist which is the real presence of Christ. It presented an opportunity for Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for the nation in advance of the elections less than one week away. Participants gathered both in person and virtually. See photo here.

During the service, Bishop Burbidge called on the faithful and people of goodwill not to be afraid and to place our trust in God. Excerpt from Bishop Burbidge's remarks (full text here):

“'Under God,' that is why we do not fear. No matter the results of the election next week, one thing is unchangeable: the Lord remains King and Ruler of our Nation. The One from whom all power and authority flow, the One in whom alone we find strength, and grace, and wisdom and liberty and justice for all. The One who promises that he will never disappoint or abandon us. No matter what positions elected officials hold, those positions are only theirs for a moment in time, but our nation is always and forever under the protection and guidance of God, in whom we trust.”

“We also reflect tonight on the word One: 'One Nation Under God.' That reminds us of the unity that must be ours. Like others, I fear that there is a possibility after the election next week there will be growing unrest in our nation. That is why we have to do our part to be instruments of the Lord's peace and unity… As we follow his teachings, show compassion and kindness to one another; forgive those who have offended you; yes, live the truth, proudly and boldly but always in love, and respect one another, even those who disagree with our firmly held convictions and beliefs.”

For more information, contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or Amber.Roseboom@arlingtondiocese.org.

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The Catholic Diocese of Arlington was established on August 13, 1974, and is home to 71 parishes and more than 460,000 Catholics. There are currently 276 priests serving in the Diocese and 45 seminarians discerning a priestly vocation. The Diocese has 37 parish (K-8) schools, four diocesan high schools, four independent Catholic schools and five free-standing (not connected with a parish school) pre-schools, serving more than 17,000 students. 

The Diocese includes the seven cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester and the 21 counties of Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, King George, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, Northumberland, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren and Westmoreland.