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Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 3, 2012 as “Territorial Day of Prayer” in the Virgin Islands to collectively give thanks for the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon the American people and all residents of the territory.
Faith and prayer provide guidance and inspiration in our lives. In the United States, we are blessed with the rights to congregate, worship and pray freely, whether in public or in private. The exercise of religion is one of our most cherished and fundamental freedoms.
“Throughout our history, the people of the Virgin Islands have turned to prayer in times of joy and in times of uncertainty. In prayer, they have sought guidance, protection, assistance and forgiveness,” de Jongh said.
This annual observance has become a unifying force for residents of the Virgin Islands who come from around the world and celebrate a wide variety of religious traditions.
Since 1952, the Congress of the United States has set aside and proclaimed the first Thursday of May of each year as a National Day of Prayer. This year, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of this historic celebration with the theme: “One Nation Under God.”
The proclamation reads: “It is especially important that we continuously give thanks and show our appreciation for our Heavenly Father's continued guidance, for He is our rock and our salvation.”
Governor de Jongh encourages Virgin Islanders to join him in commemorating the 60th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer in accordance with their own faith, beliefs and conscience by honoring the many blessings bestowed upon us each day and to ask God to provide guidance in overcoming the challenges facing this territory.
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