In 2013, there are many challenges to religious liberty, including the August 1 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate and other areas, such as immigration and humanitarian services. During the fortnight, the liturgical calendar celebrates great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power.
The CatholicTV Network will participate in the Fortnight for Freedom with special programming from June 21 to July 4, to rally support for the protection of religious freedom in the United States. Throughout this two week period called for by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Father Robert Reed, president of CatholicTV will offer a daily reflection on the theme of religious freedom called Our First Most Cherished Liberty. Drawn from the USCCB's A Statement on Religious Liberty, each reflection closes with a prayer. Join CatholicTV in prayer, study and peaceful public action during the Fortnight for Freedom.
Almighty God, Father of all nations, for freedom you have set us free in Christ Jesus. We praise You and bless You for the gift of religious liberty, the foundation of human rights, justice, and the common good. Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties. By your grace, may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land. We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness, and in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with whom you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.