Bishop Mulvey returns to pray with Texas Legislature

Bishop Mulvey Benediction Texas Legislature from Diocese of Corpus Christi on Vimeo.

Bishop Michael Mulvey delivered the benediction at the close of the opening session of the 84th Texas Legislature on Jan. 13. This is the second time the bishop is asked to pray with the Legislature. In 2013, Bishop Mulvey offered the invocation for the Texas House of Representatives' opening session.

Reps. Todd Hunter and Abel Herrero, members of the Nueces County delegation, escorted Bishop Mulvey to the podium.

Bishop Mulvey told legislators he came to "pray with you and for you." He prayed also for the legislators' staffs and families, "who will sacrifice many hours of family time in the coming five months."

The bishop urged the lawmakers to "speak and act with a clear conscience, open and respectful" to God's will. He said they should be "mindful of the poor and most vulnerable," especially those near the end of life and the unborn at the beginning of their lives.

He also asked God to bless the legislators "with kind and compassionate hearts."

"Grant them also a spirit of justice to understand those who flee violence and poverty to find a better place for their families," Bishop Mulvey said. Finally, he asked the Lord to "grant us peace" in our homes and among all nations."