Washington D.C., Nov 24, 2016 / 03:01 am
Gratitude to God was the focus of the U.S. bishops' conference for its Thanksgiving wishes to Americans as the bishops offered prayers for the poor, the elderly, and holiday travelers.
"On Thanksgiving, millions of Americans, from big cities to rural countryside, will bow their heads to say grace," the heads of the U.S. bishops' conference said Nov. 23. "They will be successful and struggling, citizen and newcomer, sisters and brothers to us all. Diverse as we are, we are united in the debt we owe to God and our desire to give Him thanks."
The message was signed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, the new president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, the conference's new vice-president.
"Let us pray for everyone separated from the abundance of our country that God may comfort them and opportunities may open for them to fully participate in the hope of America," their message continued. "Let us also especially remember the elderly and those who are in need, as well as anyone who may be spending the day alone. May they experience the closeness of God."
The bishops' conference acknowledged the volunteers working at many parishes to help make a meal for the less fortunate. They also noted the many travelers of the holiday season.
"In modern times, Thanksgiving has become a day when dispersed families come together again around the dinner table. Let us pray for all those traveling this week that God may guide them safely to their loved ones," the bishops' conference said.
"Have a Happy Thanksgiving!" the message closed.