# Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
*2016-10-31*

> Bill Young reflects on the upcoming U.S. election, the role of Catholic social teaching, and offers a prayer for discerning faithful civic participation.

## Archbishop’s Guidance

Bill shares a recent letter from Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami. The archbishop reminds us that for Catholics the dignity of the human person is not a narrow cause but a way of life. Therefore no Catholic should support a political program or law that contradicts the fundamental principles of our faith. He urges us to present our proposals for the common good without imposing our views on others.

## Recent Saints and Personal Encounters

Bill recounts his recent pilgrimage to Rome, where he attended the canonization Mass of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and visited the Franciscan sites in Assisi, seeing relics of St. Francis and St. Clare. He prays for these newly canonized saints—St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Clare of Assisi—along with all the saints in heaven, whether formally canonized or not.

## Catholic Perspective on the Election

Bill notes that the election presents a moral dilemma for Catholics. He stresses that we must reject any candidate who supports abortion, which the Church teaches is a grave sin against the sanctity of human life. He also warns against voting for a candidate simply to block another, urging voters to consider the broader implications for issues such as the Supreme Court, marriage, and the protection of the unborn.

## A Prayer for Faithful Citizenship

Bill leads a prayer titled “The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” He asks God to awaken Catholics to their responsibility to be politically active, to let their faith inform their voting, and to uphold justice, the sanctity of marriage, and the dignity of every human life. He concludes by asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance on Election Day, November 8.

*Our civic duty is an expression of our faith; we must vote with conscience, guided by Church teaching and the Holy Spirit.*