Father Pat CrinoPastor · St. Thomas the Apostle

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is a big deal to celebrate the USA 250 year birthday this weekend. Happy 4th of July!

I am proud to be an American. When I was growing up we celebrated the Bicentennial. We studied our history and growth from 13 colonies. I learned about our successes and failures. We studied the U.S. territories and the 50 states. I remember thinking about how lucky I was to be born in Arizona as a U.S. citizen. With all the troubles around the world, I recognized how blessed we are to be here building up the nation. Fifty years later, I thank God more than ever, and I pray that we live in such a way that our nation be blessed and be a blessing.

President Abraham Lincoln was know to invoke God's blessing on the nation in the Civil War. Join me in offering a prayer that Lincoln had prayed:

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech You that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Your favor and glad to do Your will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners.

Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought here out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endow with Your spirit of wisdom those whom in Your name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Your law, we may show forth Your praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in You to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Yours truly in the Sacred Heart,

Father Pat