Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-24
An American PRAYER

A RCHBlSHOP JOHN 4. NIFTY OF the dIchuloCeSe Vi
"A San Francisco has suggested that Americans OF the
Catholic faith observe the occasion of the Ninth National
Eucharsc Congress by praying for peace and for preser
walton Of the historic American way of life
ceremonies eff devotion ef the eHehaffste Christ,
now being held in ST. Paul of course an institution
Of the Catholic Church
But the recourse to prayer which Archbishop NIFTY
recommends order that mankind may return to peace
full may properly be commenced 10 al AherlcaNs'
irrespective Of creed or faith.
The emergencies and peris of these times, as they
concern the United States and menace It's peace and Its
essential Liberties. AMERICAN emergencies and
peris
THEY impose the spiritual and patriotic duty upon
people bring the sincere and wholesome influence
of religious faith 10 bear upon the problems of the
country separately according to church creed but
unitedy according the needs and ideals OF the nation
Thus il is an AMERICAN prayer which should be
EMPLOYED and the manner in which Archbishop NIFTY
suggests the seeking of divine guidance precisely tnat
Should not every American regardless of the form
degree of his religious faith accept TINS hour OF ms
counrys danger time for applying the principles OF
his faith
cHOULD not every American who enjoys and values
- religious liberty and freedom of worship in this coun-
try accept it as an opportunity and duty to:
ASK early cessation of the strife that is rend-
ing the human
ASK for the worldwide adoption of the five propos
ais of our Holy Father that would securely remove
the causes of many international MISUNDERSTANDING
ASK for the preservation of the best in the Ameri-
way of life.
ASK that the noble protesations of the Declaration
of Independence may not be vOided by any seeming
emergency.
ASK that America may remain true to her tradi-
onal role sanctuary where God may be discovered and
worshipped without mOiesatiOn and where the nefable
worth Of the individual may be forever enshrined
THIS is not suppcation in which certain few OF us
may participate and ffeHa which others of lis must
stand aloof.
It embraces the high ideals which inspired the found
of this country and the worthy purposes was Gre
ated to
1t clearly defines the obligation which rests upon all
who love America and desire to perpeuate the way of
life established here
1t most certainly brings together in the service of
country and of humanity all who profess "a keen of
our utter dependence God profession which Arch
bishop NIFTY views inherent in Catholicism, but is
equally requirement of all who recognize and acknow-
edge the supreme source of life.
| EFT the American people utilize their churches and
IL their freedom of worship for the defense and GOOD
Of their country.
Let the churches and religious leaders of America
guide and lead the American people resoutey and rever
entity, in the spirit and faith of their forefathers.
Let American aspirations and professions have
expression in AMERICAN PRAYER, not simply because,
as Archbishop NIFTY says the world is in such dire
straits demand earnest prayers but because
BELIEVE in God and believe peaceful way of life is
his way, and all endeavors and ambitions should be
directed toward assuring the conduct of our affairs In
that conception.