Prayers for Sen. Kennedy

The flag over the U.S. Capitol in Washington flies at half-staff today.
The flag over the U.S. Capitol in Washington flies at half-staff today. (photo: CNS/Reuters)

From a press release from CatholicVote.org, regarding the death yesterday of Sen. Edward Kennedy:

CHICAGO – CatholicVote.org President Brian Burch issued the following statement regarding the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy:

Senator Edward Kennedy leaves behind a long record of public service, but honesty also requires that we acknowledge his mixed legacy.  We applaud the late Senator for efforts to improve education, assist the poor, and for working to help the uninsured.  While we didn’t agree with many of his legislative solutions to these important concerns, the nature of such issues allowed for substantive engagement and disagreement on how to best solve them.

Sadly, on the most seminal issue of our day, the plight of unborn children, Senator Kennedy’s legacy evokes deep sadness.  During his early days in the Senate, Kennedy fittingly included the rights of unborn children in his dedication to protecting the most vulnerable.  Since that time, millions of Catholics have been both saddened and disappointed by his decision to abandon the defense of unborn children and their mothers, a position contrary to the common good.

His words in 1971 are worth recalling: “When history looks back to this era it should recognize this generation as one which cared about human beings enough to halt the practice of war, to provide a decent living for every family, and to fulfill its responsibility to its children from the very moment of conception.”

Today we join the rest of the America, particularly our fellow Catholics, in praying for the repose of the soul of Ted Kennedy and for consolation for his family.