Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day, USA!

“Remember that we celebrate this day because it is the day when the 13 colonies separated from Great Britain and declared their independence. We remember that the “Declaration of Independence,” written by Thomas Jefferson, declares in part: “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.” We see that these rights come from God, not from the people themselves! So this week we must also need to pray for our country that is trying to forget the God who gave us our freedom.” Fr. Larry Richards Erie, Pa

And so it is, that this day is the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Catholic Church in the United Stares of America incorporates this observance into the liturgy with a special Mass asking for peace, justice, and truth.

Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (Collect, July 4th – In the Diocese of the United States.)

Father, who have molded into one our nation, drawn from the pools of many lands; grant, that as the grains of wheat become one bread and the many grapes one cup of wine, so before all others be instruments of your peace. Through Christ our Lord. (Prayer over the Offerings.)

…(He) Christ spoke to us a message of peace and taught us to live as brothers and sisters. His message took form in the vision of our founding fathers as they fashioned a nation where we might live as one. His message lives on in our midst as our task for today and a promise for tomorrow.

And so, with hearts full of love, we join the angels today and every day of our lives, to sing your glory… (Preface.)

May the love we share in this Eucharist, heavenly Father, flow in rich blessing throughout our land and by your grace may we as a nation place our trust in you and seek to do your will. Through Christ our Lord. (Prayer after Communion.)

May God the Father who has called us to be one human family fill your hearts with deep longing for peace and harmony.

Rx: Amen.

May the Son of God who came to share our life and make us children of the one Father enable you to grow in wisdom and grace before God and the human family.

Rx: Amen.

And may the Holy Spirit who is the bond of love between the Father and the Son unite in love all here present; may he be the bond of love among you, our nation, and all peoples.

Rx: Amen.

(Solemn Blessing.)