We are blessed to be part of a great nation which celebrates its birth on July 4 through its 1976 Declaration of Independence proclaiming that all people are created equal and endowed by their Creator with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. On Independence Day, we give thanks to God for our country and pray that it will continue to flourish because it is faithful to the principles of its foundation especially in a culture prone to refashion them and to create itself in its own image and likeness rather than that of God.
The opening prayer for the Mass for Independence Day is a most fitting one: Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country received 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 people of the earth.
A blessed and happy Fourth of July to all! God bless America!
