Fortnight for Freedom in U.S Church

[Vatican Radio] The “Fortnight for Freedom” takes place in Dioceses across the United States of America. The initiative, launched by the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops, takes place every year. This year’s Fortnight begins on June 21st and continues until July 4th, when the nation celebrates its “Independence Day.”

This fortnight is particularly significant for the Catholic Church, as it incorporates the feast day of figures such as Saints Peter and Paul, as well as Saints John Fisher and Thomas More. These two English Saints were martyred for the faith in the face of tremendous political pressure and persecution during the English Reformation. Saint Thomas More's last words, “I die the King’s loyal servant, but God’s first,” have continued to resonate, for Catholics throughout the centuries.

The theme for this year is “The Freedom to Bear Witness,” to the truth of the Gospel. The Bishops have provided resources for the fortnight with 14 suggested activities for a parish to mark the fortnight. These suggestions vary from Parish Picnics and movie nights featuring the lives of the Saint commemorated, to panel discussions on religious liberty and even Eucharistic processions through the community.