The Lord alone is the one we seek…we are not running this race for a perishable crown but for an eternal one. I think as we digest the results of this election, whether we are rejoicing over them or disappointed, one thing remains…we are to seek the Lord our God with all our hearts, minds and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Whether Mitt Romney or Barack Obama were announced as President today, our role remains the same…to be a presence of Truth and Love in this country that souls may be united to God their maker. May we see the President’s re-election as an opportunity to fine tune, with logic and prayer, the truths we stand for and why. May we see it as an opportunity to grow in awareness of how we can be actively involved with our government. May we see it as an opportunity to live lives “awake” instead of half asleep. Our time on this earth is short. We have such a small window of opportunity to leave a mark of love, peace and joy. May we leave this world a little more beautiful than we found it.

Lastly, I ask you to join me as I join the Catholic Bishops of the United States of America in praying for our re-elected President and for his next term in office.

Dear President Obama,

In my capacity as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I write to express my congratulations on your re-election as President of the United States.The people of our country have again entrusted you with a great responsibility.The Catholic Bishops of the United States offer our prayers that God will give you strength and wisdom to meet the difficult challenges that face America.

In particular, we pray that you will exercise your office to pursue the common good, especially in care of the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, and the immigrant. We will continue to stand in defense of life, marriage, and our first, most cherished liberty, religious freedom.We pray, too, that you will help restore a sense of civility to the public order, so our public conversations may be imbued with respect and charity toward everyone.

May God bless you and Vice President Biden as you prepare for your second term in service to our country and its citizens.

Sincerely yours,