The Bishops of the United States have declared a “Fortnight for Freedom” from June 21 to July 4, a time for prayer, education and personal witness to the importance of religious liberty in American life. The Fortnight begins on the vigil of the feast of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher and ends on Independence Day.
Across Pennsylvania, Catholics are hosting events to mark the Fortnight for Freedom. Here is a sampling, and please click on the links for complete information:
- The Diocese of Allentown has made available a calendar of events that includes Mass with Bishop Barres and a panel discussion at DeSales University.
- In the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, parishioners will have the opportunity to attend four Holy Hours for Religious Freedom. Evenings will include Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.
- In the Diocese of Erie, Bishop Trautman has asked parishioners to “join with family members, fellow parishioners and neighbors to mark this event.” A listing of parish events will be placed on the diocesan website.
- In the Diocese of Greensburg, the Fortnight for Freedom will begin in the Diocese of Greensburg with a Holy Hour for Religious Freedom at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg.
- In the Diocese of Harrisburg, Bishop Joseph McFadden will lead an online daily video Novena during the Fortnight for Freedom. The prayer sessions will include a special daily reflection on the importance of Religious Liberty. Links will also be shared via the Diocesan Facebook page.
- In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, events include a Religious Liberty Conference to be held at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
- The Diocese of Pittsburgh has made available resources for adult education and is hosting a lecture entitled “Keeping Religious Freedom Burning Brightly” at St. Paul Seminary.
- In the Diocese of Scranton, Bishop Bambera will celebrate a Mass of Faith and Freedom on July 1.
The bells at churches across the country will be rung on July 4 at noon in support of religious freedom.
These are just a sampling of the events, Masses and Holy Hours being celebrated across the Commonwealth. Join your brothers and sisters in Christ from June 21 through June 4 to celebrate the Fortnight for Freedom in your community!
