Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Of the 56 men who signed our Declaration of Independence, only one was a Catholic - Charles Carroll. In 1776, Carroll was one of the wealthiest men in America, but he could not vote or hold public office in his native Maryland because he was a Catholic. Nevertheless, Carroll was willing to risk his wealth because he knew that something far more precious was at stake: freedom. He believed that the self-evident truths of our Declaration would lead to religious as well as civil liberty. Moreover, he knew that an America where people were free to worship God as they saw fit would be a land where Catholics would flourish and prosper.

Of course, he was joined by many others who already enjoyed religious liberty and worldly position, and success. Each had more to lose from revolution than he had to gain by it. They paid a heavy price.

Of those 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence, nine died of wounds or hardships during the war, and five were captured and imprisoned with brutal treatment. Several lost wives, sons, or entire families. One lost his 13 children. Two wives were brutally treated. All were at one time or another the victims of manhunts and driven from their homes. Twelve signers had their homes completely burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Yet not one defected or went back on his pledged word.

Today is a time for celebration and reflection, on a day celebrating freedom and independence. It is truly right to note, to rejoice in all that has been achieved. But, it is good to recognize that this has been won at a high cost. True, it has been won at the cost of those who have fallen in battle, but the search to discern God’s will and to follow it, to serve no matter what the price is a call not limited to soldiers, to one time, one generation or even to one nation even a great one like this.

Each nation, each time, each generation has to discern the presence of God and God’s call. A nation that does not recognize God is a nation that is fundamentally lost. That recognition of God has certain consequences. A recognition not only of rights but of duties and obligations. An obligation and responsibility to work together to serve the common good.

The signers of that Declaration and the other founding documents of this country rose to the challenge. We pray for our nation today with gratitude for all that has been achieved and hope that we will continue to grow into the people God has called us to be.

Happy 4th of July.

With Love and Blessings,

Fr Damian