In an effort to promote the passage of the marriage amendment to the state's constituion, Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt wants Catholics to recite a special prayer during mass.



He’s also urging area Catholics “to embrace Fridays as a particular day of prayer and sacrifice for the success of this most current struggle to defend marriage with our civil constitution. Without such deliberate prayers and sacrifices, our efforts will be in vain. But with God, all things are possible.”



“Much rides on the success of our struggle to defend marriage,” according to Nienstedt, who made the comments in a letter posted on the archdiocese’s website.



It’s the latest effort by Minnesota church leaders urging Catholics to support passage of the proposed amendment, which calls for a ban on gay marriage.



This fall, the state’s Catholic bishops took the unusual step of directing parish priests across the state to form committees to help get the marriage amendment passed by voters in November 2012.



Here’s the “marriage prayer” the archbishop is asking Catholics recite during mass:



Through the powerful intercession of the Holy Family, grant to this local Church the many graces we need to foster, strengthen, and support faith-filled, holy marriages and holy families.

May the vocation of married life, a true calling to share in your own divine and creative life, be recognized by all believers as a source of blessing and joy, and a revelation of your own divine goodness.

Grant to us all the gift of courage to proclaim and defend your plan for marriage, which is the union of one man and one woman in a lifelong, exclusive relationship of loving trust, compassion, and generosity, open to the conception of children.

We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.



