Today is, of course, Independence Day, celebrated as the birthday of the United States of America. But it is also the feast in the Catholic Church of two great saints: Elizabeth of Portugal and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Later this week we celebrate Peter To Rot, a Papua New Guinea saint.
The conjunction of the political and religious festivals provides an opportunity to reflect on two truths the Founding Fathers well understood: first, that America could only succeed as long as its people were moral and religious; and second, that our rights are given by God, and turning away from God will endanger our rights.
John Adams, who was one of the principle minds behind and signers of the Declaration of Independence we celebrate today, later observed after the U.S. Constitution became our second Founding document, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” George Washington agreed with him, warning, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”
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Author: Catherine Salgado
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