4th Of July: A Day To Reconsecrate Our Nation To The Immaculate Heart

A day commemorated with fireworks, picnics, and backyard barbecues, we celebrate our nation's independence on the Fourth of July.

Alongside all of the celebrations, let us not forget to thank God for this great nation and remember that our country in its early years was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A Brief History of Consecration

The United States of America was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Bishop John Carroll, its first bishop, in 1792. Then in 1846, all the bishops of the nation officially named the Immaculate Conception the Patroness of the United States. An act of Consecration to the Immaculate Conception was made by the United States bishops again on the occasion of the dedication of the National Basilica in 1959 (the formula used was very close to the one employed by Bishop Carroll). In 2006 the Bishops renewed this act, this time consecrating the nation to the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Today, on this important national holiday, let us all take a moment to say the following prayer of re-consecration on behalf of our great nation:

PRAYER OF RECONSECRATION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

(Prayer of the Bishops from 2006)

Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in Heaven, who chose
Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit,
who chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, who chose
Mary as Your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore your
majesty and acknowledge Your supreme, eternal dominion
and authority.

Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America
into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may
present the country to you. Through her we wish to
thank you for the great resources of this land and for
the freedom, which has been its heritage. Through the
intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church
in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our
president and on all the officers of our government.
Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice and
charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and
labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard
the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through
the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick,
the poor, the tempted, sinners — on all who are in
need.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Our Mother, Patroness of our
land, we praise you and honor you and give our country
and ourselves to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart.
O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary pierced by the
sword of sorrow prophesied by Simeon, save us from
degeneration, disaster and war. Protect us from all
harm.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, you who bore
the sufferings of your Son in the depths of your heart,
be our advocate. Pray for us, that acting always
according to your will and the will of your Divine Son,
we may live and die pleasing to God.

Amen.