Independence Day

Our greatest hope for freedom lies in the Cross of Jesus Christ and the founding principles represented in the flag of the United States of America.

The ideas of liberty and individual rights expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America are not unlike arguments found in Catholic thought for centuries leading up to the American Revolution and long after it.

The Declaration of Independence reads, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Through Baptism, Catholics become sons of God and identify with Jesus, the only One who can provide true freedom.

Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate their freedom on the anniversary of when the United States of America declared independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Special prayers for Mass on Independence Day:

One nation, under God, indivisible:

Among the many admirable values of this nation there is one that stands out in particular. It is freedom. The concept of freedom is part of the very fabric of this nation as a political community of free people. Freedom is a great gift, a great blessing of God.From the beginning of America, freedom was directed to forming a well-ordered society and to promoting its peaceful life. Freedom was channelled to the fullness of human life, to the preservation of human dignity and to the safeguarding of all human rights. An experience in ordered freedom is truly a cherished part of the history of this land.
Pope John Paul II, Meeting with President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan, September 10, 1987

Catholic contributions to American freedom:

Influential Catholics during America’s founding:

The blessing of equal liberty:

For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5: 13-14

Freedom of the human person:

Wisdom and virtue are required:

The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. the choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to “the slavery of sin.”
Catechism of the Catholic Chuch 1733

Freedom is not a work of men alone :