Archbishop John Carroll of Baltimore was the cousin of Charles Carroll who was one of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence. Charles was the only Roman Catholic and the last survivor of all 56 signers of the Declaration, dying in 1832 in his 96th year. The Carroll family played a major role in the framing of the governance of Maryland and the emerging United States. Baltimore was the first Diocese established in the Colonies and the emerging nation and the Archbishop was asked to compose a prayer for the Inauguration of the first president. It is a prayer that is fitting for this moment in our nation’s history:
Archbishop John Carroll’s Prayer for Government
Composed for the Inauguration of George Washington
We pray you, O God of might, wisdom, and justice,
through whom authority is rightly administered,
laws are enacted, and judgment decreed,
assist with your 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 your people, over whom he presides;
by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion;
by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy;
and by restraining vice and immorality.
Let the light of your 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 promotion of national happiness,
the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge;
and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We pray for 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 your powerful protection,
to discharge the duties of their respective stations
with honesty and ability.
We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy,
all our fellow citizens throughout the United States,
that we may be blessed in the knowledge
and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law;
that we 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.
Grant this, we beseech you, O Lord of mercy,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
For much more on Archbishop John Carroll: https://www.archbalt.org/most-rev-john-carroll/
