This Monday we celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day. On this day, we remember and appreciate the birth of our nation.  This day also marks the end of the “Fortnight for Freedom” Campaign sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  The Campaign included the celebration of a series of great martyrs, such as Saint Thomas More, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political authorities.  The theme of this Campaign focused on the “freedom to bear witness” to the truth of the Gospel.  As Catholics, we are called to bear witness and to truly cherish in a very special way the many freedoms we enjoy in this country.  The Campaign serves to remind us that these freedoms should never be taken for granted.  As we have previously noted, there are those in our society who are attempting to undermine our trust and belief in God, and in the process are attempting to restrict certain precious freedoms.  As disciples, we are invited to pray that this trust in God may be restored in our nation through the example of our leaders.  Our bishops once again remind us that there is a need to strengthen the moral foundation of our country, a moral foundation based on faith and trust in the Lord.  There is also a need to reaffirm our commitment to guard and protect our freedoms, especially our right to religious liberty.

The following excerpts from an “INDEPENDENCE DAY PRAYER” remind us of the need to truly thank the Lord for the freedoms we enjoy in this nation and to pray that these freedoms will continue to be protected: