Ventura parishes celebrate day of prayer for America

Over 300 LA Catholics gathered last weekend in Ventura to unite in prayer for the United States. Organized by two local parishes, Our Lady of the Assumption and the Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura, the day included a special outdoor Mass with Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron, followed by a public rosary and Eucharistic procession. 

During the Mass, Bishop Barron urged participants to reject tribalism and placing others in opposition, encouraging them instead to unite under one common banner as God’s children. The theme of “unity” was carried throughout the day, in prayers before the Blessed Sacrament and an image of Our Lady of Fatima. 

The Eucharistic procession traveled past two acute care hospitals, where participants prayed for those suffering from coronavirus, cancer, and all other illnesses. They also offered prayers for everyone suffering from loneliness and isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic, and those who care for them.