It was July 4th, 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was first publicly announced. The Declaration was a list of the reasons why the thirteen colonies were breaking ties with their mother country, Great Britain. It stated that all people had a right to life, liberty, and to the pursuit of happiness. On Monday we will observe the 246th anniversary of the Declaration.
Our observance might renew our resolve to assure that those who have made great sacrifices to uphold and protect our freedoms are accorded the care and support they justly deserve. As American
Catholics, we pray that we will be granted the inspiration and courage to bring the values of the gospel to our national discourse and common life.
God, source of all freedom this day is bright with the memory of those who declared that life and liberty are your gift to every human being. Help us to continue the good work begun long ago. Make our vision clear and our will strong: that only in human solidarity will we find liberty and justice only in the honor that belongs to every life on earth. Turn our hearts toward the family of nations: to offer friendship and to find safety only in the common good of all. Amen