Calls for Unity, Reconciliation and a National Post-Election Day of Prayer
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph are calling for all Americans to come together in the spirit of unity and reconciliation and build relationships based on respect. We are also encouraging participation in a National Day of Prayer for Unity and Reconciliation on Friday, November 11, 2016.
As a nation, we have experienced a rancorous and divisive political campaign season marked by rhetoric of anger, hate and distrust which has left our nation hurt, broken and conflicted. We need to begin the process of healing and moving forward in the belief that reconciliation and trust are possible. God creates newness out of brokenness and chaos and, as Sisters of St. Joseph, we believe in fostering unity that’s not uniformity, and diversity that’s not division.
We carry out our mission of unity by responding to the most pressing needs of the time and place. What’s needed now in our nation is healing and to move forward as one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences may be.
At this pivotal moment in our country’s history, all Sisters of St. Joseph and our affiliates are reaffirming our commitment to our mission of living and working so that all may be one.
Post-Election Prayer
By Sister Pat Bergen, CSJ
Healer of Our Every Ill,
Breathe in and among all of us who dwell in this land.
Soothe our wounds. Calm our fears.
Mend our divisions.
Hope of All Tomorrows,
Open our deaf ears and fill us with Compassion.
Tender our hearts.
Inspire creative ideas to address the cries of our sisters, brothers and Earth itself.
Send forth your Spirit of Love and Unity
Transform pointed fingers of blame into hands open in reverence to receive one another.
Fan into flame the gift of our founding
And let us be known again as a people
United for the goodness, justice and peace of all people forever.
Amen
