Freedoms we enjoy today and looking back to our founders

On the 4th of July I attended Mass at St. Martin parish in Amityville NY. The priest's homily reflected on principles that the USA was founded on: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He focused on the importance of life from conception to natural death and also liberty, specifically freedom of religion. Our freedom of religion is being threatened today and we need to be vigilant in protecting this freedom. He used the prayers of Archbishop Carroll for the inauguration of George Washington as an example of how precious freedom of religion and reliance on God was to our founding fathers. The prayers over 235 years ago are just as appropriate for today.    So we look back to the prayer of Archbishop John Carroll, the prayer written for the inauguration of our first president. His words speak to us still today.

Almighty and eternal God, assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides. May he encourage due respect for virtue and religion. May he execute the laws with justice and mercy. May he seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government. May they seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness, and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality. May we [all] be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot give; and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. We pray to you, who are Lord and God, for ever and ever. (“Prayer for an Inauguration,” Book of Blessings, para. 1965)

God bless you all and have a safe 4th of July with family and friends.