To Jesus Through Mary! Good morning and happy Independence Day to you and your family! We come to you today with a short and sweet Cause of Our Joy as we figured many of you have lots going on and fun activities planned.
In our truncated lineup today, we’ve got some gems for you such as: how you can grow in the virtue of patriotism, why Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is our patroness, and a closer look at St. Maria Goretti’s feast (which is coming up on the 6th).
So, without further ado, let’s get into this!
4 Patriotic Things Catholics Can Do
As we gear up to celebrate this great nation of ours today, we thought it might be a nice time to talk about the virtue of patriotism! We sat down and wrote a little article, 4 Patriotic Things Catholics Can Do, to take a deeper look into exercising and growing in this area! Check it out!
One Nation Under God
America’s Christian heritage is written all over her founding documents and is seen in prominent places countrywide. We found a pictorial slideshow featuring our religious heritage carved in stone in the nation’s capital. At a time when our Christian beginnings seem so out of favor and persecuted, it’s nice to be reminded that we are one nation under God.
Patroness of the United States
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the United States. We direly need her intercession and so we figured it was a perfect time to learn more about why she, under this title, is called our patroness. This prayer for her help for our country is also timely.
What Popes Have Said About the USA
During their pontificates, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis each made apostolic visitations to the United States. As we celebrate Independence Day, we found this article highlighting some of their beautiful words they spoke to the flock here in the United States. One of these talks is a favorite of ours by Saint Pope John Paul II, to watch a video capturing part of that talk, follow this link.
Saint Spotlight
St. Maria Goretti’s feast day is coming up on Monday July 6th. Her death at the age of 11 came about when she refused unwanted advances and died protecting her purity. Her courage and maturity are stunning for one so young. Pope St. John Paul II had this to say: “Marietta, as she was lovingly called, reminds the youth of the third millennium that true happiness demands courage and a spirit of sacrifice, refusing every compromise with evil and having the disposition to pay personally, even with death, faithful to God and his commandments.” St. Maria Goretti, pray for us and for our youth!
Liturgical Living
Praying for our country not only helps our leaders and our country’s future, but it also increases our virtue! CatholicIcing.com has some great ideas for praying a “4th of July” rosary with the kids that adds a new meaning to patriotism! Head over here to check it out!
Since most of us will not be attending parades and fireworks this year, here are some things you can do to celebrate Independence Day at home!
Marian Center Update
The exhibit on Marian Apparitions is open to the public! We are open for our full schedule from Tuesday-Saturday, 10 to 4. Hope to see you soon!
To Christ Through Mary,
Katie Moe and Lori Mercer
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