One should not fail at least to make the sign of the cross on beginning a journey. The neglect or performance of such acts of piety may make all the difference between having our names figure on the list of " killed and wounded " in some railway catastrophe, and having them appear as those of passengers "saved by a miracle." — Ave Maria Press.
Prayer for the Church and for the Civil Authorities
(Composed by Archbishop Carroll)
WE pray Thee, O almighty and eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy name.
We pray Thee, Who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop N.N., the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of His Church; our own bishop, N.N. (or, if he be not consecrated, our bishop-elect); all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.
We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the 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 in 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,
