The pope and bishops respond to the inauguration of President Biden; events for life taking place throughout the state; Catholic Schools Week, and viewpoints from Bishops Soto and Brennan in this week’s Insights.
Pope, Bishops Pray for President Biden to unify and protect the vulnerable
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., was sworn in as the United States’ 46th president [Wednesday] in a ceremony where he emphasized unity and the continuation of the democratic principles on which this nation has operated for more than two centuries.
Pope Francis released a statement of prayer for President Biden, asking that his, “decisions be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom, together with respect for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and those who have no voice.”
USCCB President and Los Angeles Archbishop Josè H. Gomez also offered a statement that he is “praying God grant [Biden] wisdom and courage to lead this great nation and that God help him to meet the tests of these times, to heal the wounds caused by this pandemic, to ease our intense political and cultural divisions, and to bring people together with renewed dedication to American’s founding purposes, to be one nation under God committed to liberty and justice for all.”
Continue reading for additional statements from Bishops and comments on the Executive Orders and legislative proposals from President Biden’s first day in office.
Events for Life in Commemoration of Roe v. Wade
Today (Friday) marks the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Roe v. Wade, Like the Presidential Inauguration, the pandemic prevents gathering in Washington for the national march or locally for other events.
There are several events, however, taking place throughout the state to mark this event including Masses, webinars, and virtual walks for life.
Click here for a list of events
Celebrate National Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week (CSW) will take place this year from January 30 through February 6. The CSW 2021- 2024 theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.”
Catholic schools have a mission to shepherd students to be good citizens of the world, love God and neighbor, and enrich society by leading with examples of faith.
Click here for more information and daily themes.
Viewpoints from California Bishops:
Coronavirus and the ICU – Sacramento Bishop’s CornerDiocese of Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto chats with Dr. Peter Murphy, ICU Director at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, to hear what it’s like to accompany patients during the coronavirus pandemic.
Other Voices: Changes have been made, but there’s still a long way to goDiocese of Fresno Bishop Joseph Brennan’s op-ed in the Bakersfield Californian on the ‘racial pandemic.’
The world’s faith depends on #ChristianUnity; in fact, the Lord asked that we be one “so the world might believe” (Jn 17:21). The world will not believe because of our convincing arguments, but because we have borne witness to that love that unites us and draws us near. #Prayer @Pontifex
January 22, 2021
Vol. 14, No. 3