Father Jonathan leads prayer in Congress

By Tanya Connor
 The Catholic Free Press
Talking with congressmen about the coronavirus and the Church’s outreach.
Ministering to friends in need – despite political differences.
Standing where the pope has stood.
It was all in a week’s work for Father Jonathan J. Slavinskas, pastor of Our Lady of Providence Parish at St. Bernard’s Church in Worcester.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday) I will have a great honor of doing the opening prayer at congress at the U.S. capital building at noon time,” he posted on his Facebook page March 10. “Thank you Congressman Jim McGovern for the invitation.”
Father Slavinskas told The Catholic Free Press March 12 that he left for Washington, D.C., March 10 and was to return home March 14.
“I’m a Worcester boy,” he said, adding that he’s gotten to know Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA) over the years. “Congressman McGovern has always been someone I considered a friend.”
He said that a few months ago, when they were talking, the congressman invited him to go to Washington, D.C. There he could see the office Congressman McGovern has as chairman of the House Rules Committee and say an opening prayer for Congress.
A big reason for going was to be closer to the McGovern family in their time of need, the priest said, refraining from saying on the record what that need is.
“I have ministered to them during their times of trial and tribulation, as Christ would to anybody,” he said.
“I disagree with him wholeheartedly on abortion,” Father Slavinskas said, referring to criticisms some Catholics make about fraternizing with politicians who have supported the legal right to abortion.
But, he said, “You’ve got to work with those you are with.” He likened this to reaching out to those who live within his parish’s boundaries: “I’m called to care for every soul that resides there,” regardless of those people’s beliefs.
“I support and defend the truths of the faith, and my prayer is that every Catholic comes to know and understand the truths of the faith and … live (them) out,” Father Slavinskas said. “I believe Pope Francis shows us we are called to journey” with and guide other Catholics to help them do that.
Father Slavinskas expressed appreciation for Congressman McGovern displaying in his offices images of St. Oscar Romero, the Salvadoran archbishop assassinated while celebrating Mass in 1980. In one office the congressman has a large picture of St. Patrick, he added. He said it’s good to see a connection to the life of Christ, whether in Congressman McGovern, himself, or anyone else.
“We have mutual respect for one another,” the priest said of the congressman. “And I think the best pastoral approach is … to work together on what we agree on, for the common good of the people, while still challenging one another to grow in a new way, to experience the fullness of the truth and living out the Gospel message.”
His prayer before Congress said, in part, “We pray that, in moments of disagreements and debate, an authentic understanding and mutual respect might prevail, bearing witness to the gift of collaboration for the promotion of the common good.”
Father Slavinskas said he had to send his prayer a week ahead of time, so it could be filed with congressional records.
The podium from which he prayed is used only by certain people, including guest chaplains and foreign heads of state, he said. He said Pope Francis spoke from it.
“Another highlight was … McGovern took me to the Speaker’s  Balcony,” where the pope also stood, Father Slavinskas said.
“When you think about the historical aspect – who has stood there before you – it gives you a great sense of respect for the past and hope for the future,” he said.
“It’s very surreal,” he said. “You’re walking in areas where most people don’t walk. … I have great respect for the detail and care that is put forth to keep a tradition going” – in the government as in the Church.
It was a great opportunity, he said, rejoicing especially in the honor of having the good work of the churches recognized. That showed “the Christ that is alive,” he said.
He said that after his prayer Congressman McGovern told Congress about the good works happening at Our Lady of Providence.
Father Slavinskas said he himself told Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA) about the good work being done at his parish and other Worcester parishes – how they champion for the people’s needs. Congressman Kennedy had invited him to visit his office, he said.
Father Slavinskas said the congressman talked about the coronavirus and the importance of pastors encouraging the faithful who have immigration problems to seek medical attention without fearing repercussions. No one is asking for their immigration status in connection with this, Father Slavinskas said. He said there is a fear that the virus might spread in communities where undocumented people live if they are afraid to seek treatment.
Father Slavinskas talked about this with Msgr. James P. Moroney, rector of St. Paul Cathedral and director of the diocesan Office for Divine Worship.
Father Slavinskas said he and Congressman McGovern talked about who would watch and feed children if schools were closed in response to the virus, since many receive free lunches at school and their guardians may need to work.
“It’s a developing situation,” the priest said. “There needs to be a coming together … ‘How do we best minister to the needs of people in this time of uncertainty?’”

– Father Slavinskas’ prayer can be found in the Congressional record at
https://bit.ly/392Wexc.