Rejoicing in 250 Years of Freedom!

06-28-2026Pastor's LetterFather Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States—a moment to give thanks, to remember, and to ask God for renewed moral clarity. The Church’s prayer for our nation begins by placing every civic good under divine truth: “open our hearts to the truth of his Gospel, that your peace may rule in our hearts and your justice guide our lives.” (Roman Missal, 3rd ed.) In this anniversary, we ask that the promise of liberty be lived not merely as a political idea, but as a responsibility rooted in God, human dignity, and the common good.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen reminded many in his day that a true patriot is not one who merely cheers slogans, but one who loves rightly. “Patriotism is a virtue that was allied to the old virtue of the Greeks and Latins called ‘Pietas.’ Pietas meant love of God, love of neighbor, love of country. And when one goes out, all go out. [When] we no longer have love of God, we no longer have love of country.” (Archbishop Fulton Sheen)

That means patriotism is not an optional sentiment; it is a virtue—an active love that promotes the good of a people and the preservation of national culture and self-awareness. Yet it must never become a rival religion. A patriot “will never replace God with the nation,” nor reduce faith to a merely cultural possession. (Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, 970)

In speaking to the new U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See in 1997, Pope St. John Paul II stated that a democracy’s credibility depends on promoting a culture of life, welcoming and protecting the weakest and most vulnerable, and on freedom grounded in truth and ordered to goodness. (Speech Dec 17, 1997) On the 4th of July, we will have a special Mass at the usual time on Saturday at 8:00 am. This Mass will have music that will encourage us to reflect upon the greatness of our God and the blessings we enjoy in this land. After the Mass, in lieu of the Miraculous Medal novena we will have a special rosary in which we pray specifically for our nation and for each of the 50 states. Please plan to join us!

And… as Archbishop Fulton Sheen urged, may we excel in “love of God, love of neighbor, and love of country.”

All the best…in Christ.