As fireworks burst in brilliant colors across our skies and patriotic anthems resonate from coast to coast, we embrace July 4th with a fierce pride. This day isn’t just about celebrating our independence; it’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and unwavering faith that forged the United States of America—an enduring testament to freedom.
Make no mistake: this Fourth of July, we honor not just our past but the critical role Catholics have played in crafting our national narrative. It’s time for all Christians and those of good will to reawaken the virtues that have long made our nation a shining beacon of liberty in a world fraught with chaos.
Following years of oppression under an administration that targeted religious freedoms, Catholics must reclaim their rightful place in America. We are not just passive observers; we are active participants in this great experiment of democracy. Our contributions are vast and vital.
Consider this: the very first Thanksgiving was marked not by a turkey feast, but by a Catholic Mass celebrated by Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565. This was a profound act of gratitude—a testament to the Catholic roots embedded in our nation’s very foundation.
This unwavering spirit of faith and courage surged forth during the American Revolution. Among the esteemed signers of the Declaration of Independence was Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a man of exceptional faith and intellect. In an era rife with anti-Catholic sentiment, Carroll’s bold signature was a declaration that Catholics, too, would sacrifice everything for the cause of liberty.
Catholic sisters, the unsung heroines of our early republic, embodied the pioneering spirit. Instead of wielding weapons, they ventured into the frontiers armed with love and compassion. In 1727, the Ursuline Sisters established the first Catholic hospital in New Orleans, decades before similar institutions appeared elsewhere in the colonies. Their legacy of serving all—regardless of wealth, race, or creed—remains unmatched.
The stories from the Wild West intertwine with our Catholic history. Even notorious figures like Doc Holliday found solace in Catholic hospitals, reconnecting with faith in their final moments.
Yet, we now face a troubling landscape where our deeply held beliefs are under attack. President Biden’s administration has weaponized federal agencies against Catholics, allowing the FBI to surveil our places of worship while pro-life advocates are unjustly persecuted for advocating for the sanctity of life. Just last year, there were over 500 documented attacks on Catholic churches across America.
Contrast this with the previous administration, where the Justice Department established a task force to combat anti-Christian bias. The Supreme Court, in recent decisions championed by Catholic lawyers, has reaffirmed our right to religious freedom, positioning Catholics as defenders of the First Amendment.
Modern-day heroes like Grace Morrison exemplify this courage. She fought fiercely against an overreaching school board in Maryland, ensuring her daughter wouldn’t be subjected to questionable ideologies contrary to her family’s values. Thanks to her and others like her, the Supreme Court recently upheld her First Amendment rights.
With each victory, we reclaim our heritage and our promise for a society grounded in moral principles and ordered liberty. Look no further than the U.S. Capitol, where the statues of St. Junípero Serra, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and others stand as silent witnesses to our Catholic heritage woven into America’s story.
This is not just a time for remembrance; it is a call to action. We must confront the new cultural challenges with courage reminiscent of our forebears. Our nation, “one nation under God,” can shine even brighter when we restore the nobility of our founding vision.
Let’s not just celebrate the past; let’s forge a future rich with faith, bravery, and purpose, ensuring that our great experiment in liberty is preserved for generations to come.
