The annual Religious Freedom Week, as declared by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops  (USCCB), has as its theme “Witnesses to Hope.” Each year different areas of focus encourage Catholics to consider the many aspects of our faith enabled by religious freedom.

By acknowledging the freedom of each American to live their faith in their home, church, community and country, we can focus on learning and protecting those rights. 

 

The USCCB suggests topics for thought and prayer each day of Religious Freedom Week:

June 22 – Pray that Catholics will have the courage to put the truth of the gospel and fidelity to the church above partisan politics.

June 23 – Pray for couples who suffer fertility challenges.

June 24 – Pray that governments will respect the consciences of people who care for the sick.

June 25 – Pray for Christians in Nicaragua, where the Catholic church is brutally persecuted.

June 26 – Pray for parental choice in education.

June 27 – Pray that the Lord will protect vulnerable migrants and refugees.

June 28 – Pray that government leaders would recognize the good done by religious charities.

June 29 – Pray for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who are suffering violent religious conflict.

 

Prayer for the Preservation of Religious Liberty:

Dear Lord, we ask you to bless us
in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.
Give us the strength of mind and heart
to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;
give us courage in making our voices heard
on behalf of the rights of your Church
and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,
a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters
gathered in your Church
in this decisive hour in the history of our nation,
so that, with every trial withstood
and every danger overcome—
for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,
and all who come after us—
this great land will always be “one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”