Relics of Saint Thomas More and Saint John Fisher will be available for veneration as part of the 2016 American Tour of Relics
Faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are encouraged to take part in the fifth annual Fortnight for Freedom being observed nationally June 21 to July 4, 2016, and sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
The Fortnight for Freedom is a unique opportunity for Catholics across the nation to respond in a united fashion to the numerous challenges infringing upon our first, most cherished freedom – that of religious liberty.
Locally, the observance will be parish-based. Suggested modes of participation include: daily praying of the Rosary; adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament; praying for religious freedom in all meetings and assemblies in the parish during these two weeks; and various parish outreach efforts, especially to the needy and the poor, to demonstrate how religious freedom enables the Church to be of service to others.
Archbishop Chaput will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a Mass for Religious Freedom at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul immediately following a Holy Hour presided over by Father Dennis Gill, Rector of Cathedral Basilica. Confessions will also be heard beginning at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
5:30 p.m. (Holy Hour)
6:30 p.m. (Mass)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
In addition to the Mass and Holy Hour, all are invited to venerate the relics of two saints who exemplified courage, conviction, and faith in the face of persecution. Saint Thomas More and Saint John Fisher were prominent 16th century Englishmen who stood against King Henry VIII’s attempted supremacy over the Catholic Church, accepting martyrdom instead of abandoning their faith. All are invited to learn more about the lives of these saints, seek their intercession, and be inspired by their example. Bishop John McIntyre will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
4:00 p.m. (Presentation on the Relics)
5:15 p.m. (Anticipated Mass for Sunday)
6:15 p.m. (Veneration of the Relics)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Editor’s Note: No mult-box feed will be available for media. Cameras will be permitted inside the Cathedral. To learn more about the Fortnight for Freedom, please visit http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/index.cfm