Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
INVOCATION
Invocation by Reverend Patrick J. Keating, Deputy CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens
0:07:13
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173 sec
Reverend Patrick J. Keating delivered an invocation prayer, asking for blessings upon the city council members, government staff, and all New Yorkers. He emphasized the importance of compassion, dignity, and hope, referencing the recent passing of Pope Francis and the teachings of Christianity. The reverend also highlighted the work of Catholic Charities and other non-profits in serving the vulnerable populations of New York City.
Patrick J. Keating
0:07:13
Almighty god, we pray that you send your blessing upon the members of the city council.
0:07:19
We pray also for the dedicated staff for this illustrious chamber and all in government.
0:07:24
We pray for your protection upon the brave and dedicated women and men of the NYPD, the FDNY, and all first responders.
0:07:32
We pray for all civil servants and those who partner with the city, especially service providers.
0:07:38
And we also pray for all New Yorkers who strive to make our city a better place for all people.
0:07:45
During the octave of Easter, a time when Christians remember the central mystery of our faith, namely the resurrection, we pray that the joy of this season might remind each of us to be concerned with the needs and to treat our sisters and brothers with mercy, love, and compassion.
0:08:03
We pray that all people of goodwill strive for the common good as we each do what we can to uplift one another.
0:08:11
We are mindful of the passing of his holiness, post Francis, on Easter Monday.
0:08:16
The holy father graced the city of New York with a papal visit in 2015.
0:08:21
A visit in which he focused on the twenty fifth chapter of Saint Matthew's gospel, reminding all of us of the need to feed the hungry, the need to care for the sick, the need to welcome the stranger, and the need to accompany those who feel abandoned and may be on the periphery of society.
0:08:40
For more than a hundred twenty five years, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens, along with many other not for profits in the city of New York, have strived to feed the hungry, to care for the sick, to help the vulnerable, as well as to give hope to our neighbors.
0:08:56
We are mindful that we can only succeed by working together, especially with our partners in government.
0:09:04
We pray that this council continue to deliberate and focus their efforts to help and assist the most vulnerable forgotten in our city.
0:09:13
Throughout his ministry, Pope Francis reminded the world that every single person has value and dignity.
0:09:19
He called for the jubilee year of hope, a time when our world, our nation, and our city needs hope.
0:09:27
We pray that all of us be agents of hope, that we may treat one another with respect and dignity, that we may raise one another up in mutual concern and in the realization that we all call to help one another.
0:09:42
Let us never forget that genuine kindness can truly change the world.
0:09:47
Lastly, we pray for those who are sick and those who have lost loved ones.
0:09:52
May your compassion uplift their hearts to focus on the hope that comes from your divine providence.
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We ask this in all things through our lord Jesus Christ, your son, in union with the holy spirit, god forever and ever.
0:10:05
Amen.