Our Founders in God’s grace gave to us a great experiment in democracy that has enriched the world in countless ways during the two and a half centuries of America’s existence. This legacy is centered upon our aspiration to bind ourselves to principles of freedom, justice, equality, harmony, and peace.

As Catholics and Americans, our patriotism is built upon the glory of the aspirations that have brought immigrants from every land, race, and people to form a more perfect union among us.

We have the opportunity to celebrate with joy this legacy, this challenge, this dream for our nation.

Cardinal McElroy will celebrate a Mass dedicated to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11am

Please join us at Mass, in person or via livestream, to mark a day of Thanksgiving and Renewal for our country.