Today marks the beginning of the Fortnight for Freedom, the two-week period designated by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops to pray for religious freedom in our country.  The Fortnight is being observed by dioceses, parishes and individuals across the country.

 

 

 

 

 

The fourteen days from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this “fortnight for freedom”—a great hymn of prayer for our country.

Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power—St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome.

Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action will emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty. Dioceses and parishes around the country have scheduled special events that support a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty.

(source:  USCCB website)

 

I think a good way to begin is to watch to Fr. Robert Barron’s review of the recent film “For Greater Glory”.  A timely film to say the least.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e8lbE1vemY]

 

“The Church has recognized that the best way to battle the powers of the world is not on their terms but rather through the power of the Cross.” – Fr. Robert Barron