Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate Independence Day here in the United States of America, may we thank the Lord for the many blessings He has bestowed on our land and her citizens. May the freedoms we so treasure and enjoy help us to use them wisely & well for our good and the good of the whole world. From today’s Mass, we pray:

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.

June 29 – Only Christ could bring about a celebration of the Church of the very man who first so fiercely persecuted Her members. When Saint Paul finally encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he came to not only believe but become one of the Lord’s Apostles. He is considered the ‘Apostle of the City of Rome’, the site of his martyrdom after years of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. Read more about him at the Vatican News website.

June 30 – The Church recalls today the Protomartyrs of Rome. Not long after Christ’s death and resurrection, Christians began to become known in Rome – so much so that Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews (of which Christianity was included) from Rome. When over half of Rome was destroyed by fire, Nero blamed the Christians, many of whom were put to death as a result. Read more about these first martyrs at the Vatican City State website.

July 1 – Though his brother is one of the great patriarchs of the covenant made by God to His people Israel, today we celebrate Saint Aaron. Though not without sin & error of his own, Aaron faithfully served God and assisted Moses. It was his eloquence that Moses relied on when the Lord called him, his strength that held up Moses’ arms while their people battled in the plain below. Though he followed Moses’ leadership, he preceded him in death – neither of them entering the promised land – but nonetheless committed to guiding God’s people as He directed. Read more about Saint Aaron at Catholic Answers.

June 3 – Today is the feast of Saint Thomas. Though his nickname is at first glance unflattering, Thomas’ doubts are one of the great gifts he offers the Church – not in his skepticism but in so earnestly presenting his need before the Lord. In response to the baring of his heart, Jesus invites Thomas touch, see, and believe in Him – and through Thomas, we are likewise invited to present our doubts to God and be consoled. Read more about him at the Vatican News website.