This year we celebrate the birthday of our country with renewed hope and vigor for having participated in the U.S. Bishops "Fortnight for Freedom" through reflection, discussion and prayer for the continued honoring of our right to religious freedom. And so we pray:

FOR THE PROTECTION OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Almighty God, Father of all nations,
For freedom you have set is free in Christ Jesus (Gal. 5:1).
We praise and less you for the gift of religious liberty, the foundation of human rights, justice, and the common good.
Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties.
By your grace may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness and in the name or your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with whom you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

And so as we celebrate with family and friends, attending parades and cookouts, let us treasure and defend religious freedom this Independence Day!