Rock the Rotunda for Religious Freedom

In what has begun a tell tale sign of summer, things are gearing up for the Fortnight for Freedom, which is observed annually from June 21st through July 4th to promote and defend what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops calls "our first, most cherished liberty."

In conjuction with the Fortnight for Freedom, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will hold a special event at the Illinois State Capitol to Rock the Rotunda for Religious Freedom on Wednesday, June 28th beginning at Noon. We gathered outside at the statue of President Abraham Lincoln in previous years, but this year we will move inside the Capitol itself.

Here is the bulletin announcement sent out yesterday concerning this important gathering about a vital aspect of our common life:

ROCK! The Rotunda for Religious Freedom - Mark your Calendars! The public is invited on Wednesday, June 28 at 12 Noon to the Rotunda of the State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. Devote an hour to music, prayer, and dialog for religious freedom. Hillary Byrnes, Assistant General Counsel for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, DC, will give a powerful witness for Religious Liberty. Join in prayer with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Also, listen to the passionate music of Michael James Mette. Bring a bag lunch, enjoy some light refreshments in air conditioned comfort. Let’s ROCK the Rotunda for religious freedom!

I will be unable to rock the rotunda this year because of my coming studies at The Liturgical Institute, but I hope you'll make plans to attend. Don't forget to bring a friend!