New Jersey bishops ask prayers for protection of traditional marriage

Published: 2008-02-18

NEWARK, N.J. (CNS) -- The New Jersey Catholic bishops designated Feb.17 as a day of prayer to ask God to protect the sacrament of marriage. The bishops also urged Catholics to use the day to reflect on the importance of marriage as "the foundation of the family" and "the basic unit of society" and to pray for and support married couples in their vocation. The bishops also urged Catholics to defend marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The bishops' letter was read at all Masses during the Feb. 16-17 weekend. The bishops also requested that it be published in all parish bulletins. In the letter, the bishops said "the institution of marriage faces many challenges" in modern society. They said some people "view marriage as a temporary or disposable convenience" and others are "attempting to change the very definition of marriage as a union of one man and one woman." The bishops pledged their support for all family members including those who choose to remain single.

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