By John Andrews
Editor

 Trenna and Damian Meins had always shared a concern about gun violence and how it is addressed in the law. Sometimes their view was a cause of tension among friends and extended family who saw the gun issue differently, she recalls.

WASHINGTON D.C. (CNA/EWTN News)—Bishops in the United States called on Catholics to pray for elected officials following the 2016 presidential election, and exhorted them to work for unity and to promote the common good.

 “Now is the moment to move toward the responsibility of governing for the common good of all citizens,” stated Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, then president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, following Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s electoral victory.

 The Diocese of San Bernardino is joining in a nationwide effort of the Church to address fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities following the Nov. 8 election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.

 In response to divisions that emerged from the presidential campaign and in support of healing and hope for the country, Bishop Gerald Barnes is asking parishes of the Diocese to participate in a one-day fast during the final 18 days leading up to the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.

 Bishop Gerald Barnes issued the following statement following the Presidential election:

 Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 We have just come through what is probably the most divisive and bitter presidential campaign in memory. Our democratic process has concluded and we offer our prayers for our new President-Elect Mr. Donald Trump. We ask God to guide him in his leadership that he will make decisions for the Common Good of the people and always recognizing the Dignity of Every Human Life.

By Ashley Elizabeth Limon

MECCA—Humility and faith went hand in hand as the faith community of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mecca celebrated the Feast Day of their patroness on Dec. 12.

 The Purepecha, indigenous people from Michoacán, Mexico, joined in the celebration by honoring “La Morenita” through a pilgrimage during which they danced typical rituals in their native dress.