Keep Holy Election Day

As we enter into the run up to the next Presidential Election in November 2012, I have been thinking more and more about what it means to be an American citizen and a Catholic.  The 2012 election will be my first opportunity to vote for a US President since becoming a citizen in 2010.

Being an engaged citizen and being a Catholic are two absolutely complementary things.  As Catholics, our Church asks us to bring our Catholic values to the public square and to engage in the democratic process using the lens of our faith to help inform our voting choices.  Faithful Catholics can and do vote for Republicans and Democrats and for other candidates.   I have a bumper sticker on my car which says that “God is not a Republican or a Democrat”.  And yet, judging from the acrimoniousness of the debate that goes on between some Catholics of different political persuasions…you might think that was not the case!

This inspiring, spirit provoking article by Nicolas Cafardi, professor of law at Duquesne University School of Law, reminds us that the follower of Jesus is called to be holy in all things…perhaps especially when it comes to engaging in political debate.    I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!