Happy 4th of July! It is a great blessing to celebrate 250 years of our great nation this year. Here is a prayer that we can pray this weekend, but certainly throughout this year for a continued transformation and renewal of our country:

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth, I place today my nation, the United States of America, into Your Heart pierced for love of us. On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I acknowledge that true liberty is Your gift, and that our lasting homeland is the eternal Kingdom of God.

Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart, bless my homeland anew, purify her from sin, and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace, so that she may safeguard all human life, respect the integrity of marriage and the family, and honor the practice of religion.

Reign in my home and in my nation. Draw every heart into communion with You, that Your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumph in America and throughout the world. Amen.

From July 7-15th I will be away from the parish for an annual 8-Day Retreat. This retreat consists of 4 daily holy hours, daily discussion with a spiritual director, exercise, and rest. Know that you will certainly be in my prayers and please keep me in prayer during this important time of spiritual renewal for myself and our parish.