A Old Catholic Prayer For the United States

Updated- See Bottom of Post

Tomorrow night in the Diocese of Arlington Virginia there will be a very interesting Theology on Tap presentation. It is called "Founding Fathers: The beginning of the Catholic Church In America". I have been keeping my eye on this one to make sure I don't forget about it.

It will be available online in a few days and it should be fun to post it and talk about that presentation. In that spirit here is the one of the oldest Catholic Prayers for the UNited States. It was written by the first "United States" Bishop . This prayer was still said not that too long ago. Perhaps we should bring it back

Prayer for Our Nation
ALL: We pray, Thee, O God of might, wisdom and justice,
through whom authority is rightly administered,
laws are enacted and judgments decreed,
assist, with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude,
the President of these 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 of 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 promoting of national happiness,
the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge;
and may perpetuate to us the blessings of equal liberty.
We pray for His Excellency the Governor of this State,
for the members of the Assembly, for all Judges, Magistrates,
and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare;
that they may be enabled by Thy powerful protection,
to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.
We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow citizens,
throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge,
and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law;
that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give;
and after enjoying the blessings of this life,
be admitted to those which are eternal,
through Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
(attributed to Archbishop Carroll, 1800 for the United States of America)

I recall now where people wee taing about the fairly recent use of this prayer. Here is Father Z talking about it.