Twice in recent weeks, I have written you to express my gratitude for our unity in faith and action as we move forward to protect our religious freedom from unprecedented intrusion from a government bureau, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Have you ever met a saint? Most of us would probably respond very quickly…NO! The obvious reason for this response is that most saints are not beautified or canonized until decades or perhaps even a century after their deaths. Yet most of us could also respond “Yes” to the question. We all hope to be with the Lord in heaven some day;

As Catholics we are part of a community with a rich heritage that helps us consider the challenges in public and contribute to greater peace and justice for all people. Part of that heritage comes to us from the Declaration on Religious Liberty from Vatican II which states that “society itself may enjoy the benefits of justice and peace, which results from the people’s faithfulness to God and His Holy Will.”