The New Battle of New Orleans

That's what Archbishop Gregory Aymond is calling it; the New Battle of New Orleans. The enemy: the out of control cycle of violence and the spiraling murder rate in the city. Responding as a good shepherd, concerned for all peoples, the Archbishop merely could not stomach the early 2011 results reflecting a doubling of the murder rate from 2010. Archbishop Aymond, as outlined in the Archdiocesan newspaper the Clarion Herald, has instructed all Catholic churches to recite a prayer at every Mass; called simply Our Family Prayer. The Archbishop also plans to offer parenting skills classes as well as programs for at-risk youth.

Here is the prayer composed by Archbishop Aymond:

Loving and faithful God,

Through the years the people of our archdiocese have appreciated the prayers and love of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in times of war, disaster, epidemic and illness. We come to you, Father, with Mary our Mother, and ask you to help us in the battle of today against violence, murder and racism.
We implore you to give us your wisdom that we may build a community founded on the values of Jesus, which gives respect to the life and dignity of all people.
Bless parents that they may form their children in faith. Bless and protect our youth that they may be peacemakers of our time. Give consolation to those who have lost loved ones through violence.
Hear our prayer and give us the perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity in our community.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.
Mother Henriette Delille, pray for us that we may be a holy family.