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CHARLOTTE, N.C. Some Catholics in Charlotte are participating in a special 83-hourlong vigil during the Democratic National Convention to pray for the country, one of many collective prayers happening throughout the city.
“We offer a gift to our nation,” Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis said in a sermon Tuesday at St. Patrick Cathedral. “There is no force in the universe more powerful than Christ’s love.”
The bishop said parishioners at St. Patrick are praying on behalf of the unborn, marriage, religious liberty, the poor, immigrants and others. He said it is vital to listen to God at a time when “strong headwinds (can) blow us off track.”
Some in attendance wore shirts that said, “America, defend life!” The back of the shirt reads: “Our first right, the right of life, given by our Creator, to be cherished by society and protected by law.”
The prayer vigil and adoration began Monday and will run through 9 p.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The diocese already has made its presence know to conventioneers. Jugis authored the wording of a banner now hanging along South Tryon Street. It reads: “A message from the Catholic Church: Protect the Unborn, Defend Marriage, Safeguard Religious Liberty.”
Wednesday, a pro-life march will start at a diocesan office on South Church Street, then end with a rally at Trade and Tryon.
