A Message from Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M. praying for peace in our country

Below is a transcription of Archbishop Andrew Bellisario's message from the Rosary he led Monday, January 11, 2021, to pray for peace in our country. 

We pray a scriptural rosary this evening for our country that we love so dear. Before each “Our Father” and “Hail Mary” there will be a brief verse from scripture.

It is heartbreaking to witness the violence that took place last week, and to hear of additional threats.  I condemn all acts of violence, as people of goodwill do throughout our world.  This violence must stop.  

I call us all to obey Jesus.  In John’s Gospel, chapter 15, verse 17 Jesus says: “This I command you: love one another.”  

Loving one another is not optional, it is a direct order from Jesus himself.  In verse 9 of the same chapter, Jesus says, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.” And then in verse 12: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”  We unite ourselves with the Lord when we love as Jesus loves.  Violence is not love.

Every day, before we go to bed, we have the opportunity to examine the life we lived that day.  A good question to ask daily is: How did I love my brothers and sisters today as Jesus loves them?

We pray these Luminous mysteries of the Holy Rosary calling upon our Blessed Mother as the patroness of the United States of America, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, with both a spirit of humility and a commitment to justice so we can have lasting peace in our country.  We pray for those who died, and for their families and friends, and for those so deeply affected by all expressions of violence.   

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.