Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Fourth of July for me has always been a joyful time for gathering with family and friends as we thank God for the freedoms we have here in our nation. This year, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, it is certainly different as we continue to suffer from the effects of the pandemic which curtail our gatherings and celebrations. It is also different this year as we strive to more fully recognize in our nation that all people are created equal and are endowed by God with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We are called to help shape our nation to help it preserve these rights. May we, as Catholics, pray and work for the promise of a nation of peace and justice for all, encountering each person with respect, remembering the inherent human dignity of every person, and protecting the lives and dignity of all created in the image and likeness of God.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we are grateful for all that we have been blessed with in our nation, but we also dare to ask for more, as we beg the Lord to help us to stand peacefully united, one nation, under God, and pursue liberty and justice for all.
Be assured of my prayers for you and your families as you celebrate today and I ask you to please keep me in your prayers too. God bless America and each of you!
With renewed best wishes, I remain
Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen