The campaign launches at 7:00 p.m. this evening with a Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website contains a variety of resources that can be used by diocese and individuals who wish to stand up for one of mankind's most fundamental rights - that of religious liberty.
In the first of a series of reflections to be used by the faithful during the fortnight, the bishops explain that "In the opening chapter of Declaration on Religious Liberty, the Council Fathers at Vatican II forthrightly declared that 'the human person has a right to religious freedom.' This right is founded upon the intrinsic dignity of the human person. From God’s revelation we know that the dignity of human beings resides in their being created in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:27)."
What human beings believe concerning God is of supreme importance, the bishops state.
"Religious belief lies at the very center of who we are in relation to what is most central and cherished in our lives. Therefore, the Council insists that the religious convictions of individuals or groups should never be coerced but must be held freely, protected by a civil constitutional right."
The faithful are encouraged to get involved in their parish activities during this campaign, but also to pray for our country and the preservation of this precious freedom.
The following is a special prayer written specifically for this moment in our history:
O God our Creator, Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society. We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.
Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.
Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome— for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us— this great land will always be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
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