New Year’s Prayer (by Archbishop Carroll.)

Almighty and eternal God, You have, through Jesus Christ, revealed Your glory to all nations. We pray You to preserve the works of Your mercy, that Your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Your name.

We pray You, who alone are good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life our Chief Bishop, Pope John Paul II, the vicar of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of His Church; our own Archbishop and Bishop; all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry and conduct Your people into the ways of salvation.

We pray You, O God of might, wisdom, and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, to assist with Your holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the 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.

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth.

[PROVERBS 8:14-16] 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 his Excellency, 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 brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Your most holy law; that they 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.

Amen.

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The background story of New Year’s Prayer (by Archbishop Carroll.)

The New Year’s Prayer, sometimes called the Archbishop Carroll’s Prayer, is a Catholic prayer traditionally recited at the beginning of each New Year. The prayer’s origins can be traced back to John Carroll, a Catholic priest and the first bishop and archbishop appointed in the United States.

Archbishop Carroll first composed the prayer in the late 1700s, during a time when Catholics in America were facing significant discrimination and hardship. The prayer serves to give solace, guidance, and hope to the faithful who were struggling to establish their rights.

The prayer emphasizes the need for repentance, humility, and spiritual renewal, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ. It expresses an unwavering faith that God’s love and mercy will help us overcome any obstacles we may face in the coming year.

Over time, the New Year’s Prayer became a staple of Catholic New Year’s celebrations worldwide. The prayer acknowledges the many blessings received and prays for guidance, strength, and courage in the coming year.

Today, the New Year’s Prayer remains an important aspect of Catholic tradition and is recited by individuals worldwide at the beginning of each year. It offers a chance to reflect on the past and to seek God’s blessings for the future, recognizing that our faith and trust in Him bring about inner peace and prosperity.