The U.S. bishops have again called for a Fortnight of Freedom to raise awareness of the threats to religious freedom in our nation. The Fortnight will be celebrated nationwide from June 21 to July 4, culminating with a liturgy celebrated at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
The bishops are particularly concerned about the threat posed by President Obama’s health care reform, commonly known as ObamaCare, which requires all employers to provide health insurance coverage for such morally-flawed practices as abortion and birth control devices that serve as abortafacients. People of faith who oppose such practices on a moral basis should not be forced by government to participate in such immoral behavior.
This is the third year that the bishops are observing such a Fortnight. Slowly, people’s consciousness is being raised, but there is a lot more work to be done and prayers to be said.
We are reminded in the Gospel that certain evils can only be driven out by prayer and sacrifice. So, we are encouraged to learn that the Knights of Columbus (Brooklyn No. 60) will be sponsoring a kick-off to the Fortnight with an evening of Eucharistic adoration at Our Lady of Perpetual Basilica in Sunset Park from June 20 at 7 p.m. to June 21, at 8:45 a.m.
All K. of C. Councils in the diocese – whose motto is For God and Country – would do well to be a part of this effort that is being sponsored by their brother Knights. Why not sign up for different shifts throughout the night to spend time with Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament!
Religious freedom is one of our most cherished liberties. It is what this nation was founded on. We forget this at our peril. Celebrate this Fourth of July with renewed interest in preserving our religious freedom by participating in this opening of the Fortnight for Freedom and supporting all related programs in the local parishes.[hr]
A Father’s Strength
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This Sunday, we celebrate Father’s Day. It is not a day to recognize fathers-in-law or godfathers. It should not be watered down to extoll the virtues of anyone but the father of the nuclear family.
The role of the father has been compromised enough. Excuses have been made about men who refuse to accept the responsibilities of fatherhood. Politically acceptable debates have drowned out the significance of a father.
But the simple truth remains that the family works best when there is a father and a mother present in the home.
A few weeks ago, we praised the role of mothers. This weekend, we recognize the significance of fathers.
The father is the symbol of physical strength in the home. His firm yet tender hand and unswerving devotion to mother and children plays an indisputable influence in the lives of the other members of the family.
While these days demand, for the most part, that both parents work, the father for all practical purposes remains the breadwinner. His hard work and attention to providing for the family allows all to fulfill the many other roles they play in society.
As the one who generates life, the father is symbolic of God the Father. He is the one, who like the Creator is the giver of life. Just as we need the nurturing of a gentle mother, we also need the constant commitment of the strong father to assure us that ultimately life is worth living to the fullest.