June 14, 2026

On Thursday, June 11, the U.S. Bishops consecrated the United States to the Sacred heart of Jesus. As Archbishop Thomas Wenski said, “In linking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the devotion to the Sacred Heart, the bishops invite us to reflect with gratitude on the blessings God has bestowed on our nation but, at the same time, devotion to the Sacred Heart demands that we consider how we might foster truth, justice and charity in American life. Thus, our celebrations around the Fourth of July will foster a constructive and forward-looking patriotism as opposed to a divisive, exclusionary, blind nationalism.

“In his book Memory and Identity, Saint John Paul II wrote of the difference between a constructive patriotism and a destructive nationalism: Patriotism is love for everything to do with our native land — its history, its traditions, its language, its natural features. It is a love which extends also to the works of our compatriots and the fruits of their genius. Whereas nationalism involves recognizing and pursuing the good of one’s own nation alone, without regard for the rights of others…

“On the eve of our nation’s 250 birthday, we recognize that our American experiment in democracy is still a work in progress. As American Catholics … while we recognize flaws and work to correct them, we also acknowledge the blessings of liberty we enjoy in this great country. In spite of extreme polarization, bitter partisanship and entrenched divisions, we Catholics do not despair of America.”

With that sense of God’s grace and the blessings of our land, on this Flag Day, we honor our veterans and active-duty military personnel. It is not possible for us to express our deep appreciation for what these brave men and women have given to us, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This gratitude is a feeling each of us should sense in a very personal way. Our freedoms and our American way of life have been protected in too many battlefields across the globe. These days we sense how fragile they can be. It is for all of us to protect them.

Our parishioner, John Scaglione, 100, served in World War II. He did not see battle, but he saw the horrible results of Hitler’s madness. He was among the Allied forces who liberated the concentration camp at Dachau, Germany. At the end of Mass, we will show a brief video interview with John.

Thank you to every person who has served our country. Please join us for a reception following the 11:30 AM Mass this morning. Meet some vets. Hear their stories. Thank them.

This week, Father John and I will be joining the Cardinal and priests of the Archdiocese for our semi-annual convocation. There will be no Masses offered Tuesday through Thursday. Communion services will be offered by our trusty deacons. Please pray for us as we will be praying for you.