Fr Alexander Kurien Congratulate and Prays for President Obama
24/1/13
CONGRATULATIONS TO AND PRAYERS FOR
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA & VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN!
Rev. Fr. Alexander J. Kurien
Washington D.C.
Since inauguration day – January 20 – fell on a Sunday this year, Mr. Obama was officially sworn in at a very brief ceremony just before noon in the Blue Room of the White House, taking the oath from the Chief Justice John Roberts using a family bible, ahead of Monday’s public events. During a small and succinct ceremony at the White House, Obama recited the constitutionally mandated oath of office for the third of four expected times during his time in office. Embracing his children after the oath, his younger daughter Sasha was heard to whisper “good job, Daddy!” “I did it!” he responded, before she observed “You didn’t mess up.” Sunday’s official swearing-in, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, was the 57th inauguration of a president in American history.
Vice President Joe Biden took the first official step of the inaugural weekend, swearing the oath of office as he stood among friends, family and a circle of Democratic power players of his political history – and, perhaps, future. In a brief morning ceremony at the Naval Observatory, the vice president’s official residence, Biden put a hand on his family Bible, held by his wife, and swore for the second time to uphold the duties of the vice president’s office. “It’s an honor, it’s an honor,” Biden told Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor immediately after she administered the oath, the fourth female jurist to perform that duty for a president or vice president in the country’s history. Then he turned to the crowd of 120 and explained that he was leaving immediately to join President Obama to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. Shortly afterward, in a ceremony that has become a traditional part of the inaugural proceedings, the two men stood at attention at the cemetery, saluting at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as taps played in the background.
More than million people attended the swearing-in and the inauguration celebration of President Obama’s second term on Monday on the western steps of the U.S. Capitol.
In his 2013 Inaugural address, President Barack Obama touched on climate change, partisan bickering, and the protection of rights for gays, immigrants, and women in his second inaugural address delivered before more than a million people standing on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:
Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional — what makes us American — is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” ……………………………… My fellow Americans, the oath I have sworn before you today, like the one recited by others who serve in this Capitol, was an oath to God and country, not party or faction — and we must faithfully execute that pledge during the duration of our service. But the words I spoke today are not so different from the oath that is taken each time a soldier signs up for duty, or an immigrant realizes his/her dream. My oath is not so different from the pledge we all make to the flag that waves above and that fills our hearts with pride. They are the words of citizens, and they represent our greatest hope. You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country’s course. You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time — not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals. Let each of us now embrace, with solemn duty and awesome joy, what is our lasting birthright. With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history, and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom. Thank you, God blesses you, and may He forever bless these United States of America.”
The ceremony followed by an inaugural parade in front of the White House, that featured many branches of the U.S. armed services and two inaugural balls with performances by singers including Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, and Stevie Wonder.
Our prayers are with President Obama and the Administration. May God provide necessary guidance and wisdom to our President and the Administration to lead our nation to prosperity and stronger economic conditions. Let us join in a –
A Prayer for The President and the Administration of the United States.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favor to behold and bless thy servants The President of the United States, Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden and all others in administration; and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source:
Independent
