The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is unveiling its planned activities for the two week campaign scheduled to begin on June 21 and end on Independence Day. The campaign will kick off in the nation's oldest Catholic diocese at Baltimore's historic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore will celebrate the liturgy at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
The closing liturgy will be held on July 4 in the nation's capital at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington at 12:10 p.m. EDT. The Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington and the homilist will be Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia. EWTN will carry the Shrine Mass live.
In addition to these activities, the bishops have launched a special website, www.fortnight4freedom.org where people can stay abreast of the activities as well as educate themselves on the critical role of religious liberty in American society. The site will supply resources such as frequently asked questions about religious liberty, including quotes from the Founding Fathers, the Second Vatican Council and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Another valuable resource is a study guide on Dignitatis Humanae, Vatican II’s document on religious liberty. In addition, the site provides several one-page sheets outlining current threats to religious freedom both in the United States and abroad.
The website also lists samples of activities already planned in particular dioceses, as well as resources and recommendations for other local efforts, such as special liturgies and prayer services. Parishes are being encouraged to arrange special events to highlight the importance of defending religious freedom, and to do so in cooperation with other Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths who also wish to defend our most cherished freedom. The object is to make the two week program into a "great hymn of prayer" for our nation.
For instance, Bishop Paul Loverde of the diocese of Arlington is calling for special holy hours that will include preaching on religious liberty and a Mass for Religious Freedom to be said on July 4. Holy cards with a prayer for religious freedom are to be distributed to all parishioners for them to pray during this time, and he is also encouraging the faithful to set aside a day to fast or to perform other acts of reparation. Priests will be asked to preach on religious liberty during the two week campaign.
The USCCB is also requesting that wherever possible, parishes ring the bells of their churches at noon on the fourth of July to remind citizens nationwide of the primary place of religious freedom in the history, law, and culture of the United States.
"In many ways, this struggle is more a marathon than a sprint," Bishop Loverde says in his communication to parishes. "I ask you to join me and prayerfully embrace this challenge not only as a vital struggle over Catholics' rights to full citizenship in this great country, but as a teaching moment for us all. With God's grace, much good will come of this."
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