June 30, 2024
The British Broadcasting Company, believe it or not, published a recent story extolling the virtues of the United States. Yes, our nation is still uniquely special, they declared, despite the political and cultural rhetoric that seems to divide us as of late. What makes the “American experiment” still worth fighting for? According to the BBC, it’s the small-town, grassroots initiatives that are taking place from coast-to-coast, where neighbors help neighbors and young folks with a “can do” spirit are reaching out to make a difference for those around them.
The BBC didn’t say this, of course, but what the reporters witnessed in small-town America is something the Catholic Church has always known: the strength of the local parish community. It is here where we are united in faith to help usher in God’s Kingdom, to make the Gospel known through education and service, and to care for those around us as Christ Himself would. It’s what we strive to do here at Immaculate Conception/St. Jude mission every day, and it is done in some humbly beautiful ways: through the constant efforts of our Outreach program; in the joy of numerous catechists and volunteers who spent a very hot week teaching in our new Summer Faith Academy; and in those faithful parishioners who show up week after week to pray for vocations during Friday Adoration and Saturday Rosary.
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day this week, let us turn to our American saints and ask for their continued intercession as we strive to live as one nation under God. May the prayer of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini – the first canonized saint of the U.S. – be ours as well: “Lord, give your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless anxiety, solitude and worry. Help me to desire all that is pleasing and acceptable to You so that Your will may be my will. Amen.”