Join EWTN at the Forefront of “Fortnight For Freedom” Masses/Programming Will Celebrate Religious Liberty in America
Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Religious freedom is under attack – not just overseas, but, most unbelievably, in the United States of America. EWTN was the first to file a lawsuit after the government issued a mandate forcing religious employers to provide coverage for abortion-inducing drugs and more. Now, look to EWTN for coverage of the “Fortnight for Freedom,” a call by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom, which begins June 21. EWTN’s coverage begins with the Opening Mass celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori at 7 p.m. ET, June 21, from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. The date was chosen because it is the vigil of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, two great martyrs of the Faith. This will be followed by a 10 a.m. ET Mass on June 22 celebrated by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. The closing Mass – to be celebrated by Cardinal Donal Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington and with a homily by Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput – will be televised at 12:10 p.m. ET, July 4, the day that Americans traditionally celebrate their most cherished freedoms.
Other programming during the Fortnight includes:
• “World Over Special:” At 8:30 p.m. ET, June 21, immediately following the Opening Mass, EWTN News Director Raymond Arroyo will host a live one-hour national town hall meeting. (Check website for encores.) Also, look for special editions of “The World Over” at 8 p.m. ET, Tuesday, June 26; 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 28; and 1:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, July 4. These special editions will explore the threats to religious liberty with exclusive interviews with those directly affected, bishops, historians and policy makers.
• “Women of Grace:” Host Johnnette Benkovic will host a week of specials focusing on the attack on our religious freedom. Airs 11 a.m. ET, July 2 to July 6.
• “The History of the Catholic Church in the U.S.” A 13-part series with Historian Father Charles Connor, who looks at the origins of Roman Catholicism in this country, how it spread as well as the persecution and discrimination the Church has faced through the years. Airs 6:30 p.m. ET, June 18 – July 5.
• “Bookmark:” Host Doug Keck will interview authors of books celebrating the importance of religious freedom. Airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET and 11:30 p.m. ET from July 1 through August 19 with encores at 5 a.m. ET, Mondays, and 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesdays. Guests will include Archbishop Chaput (“Render Unto Caesar”), James Hitchcock (“The Supreme Court and Religion in American Life (Volumes 1 & II),” Janice Connell (“Spiritual Journey of George Washington”), Scott McDermott (“Charles Carroll of Carrollton”), Carl Anderson (“A Civilization of Love”), Robert Royal (“The God That Did Not Fail: How Religion Built and Sustains the West”), Thomas Woods (“How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization”), and Michael Novak (“On Two Wings: Humble Faith and Common Sense at the American Founding”).
• “Crossing the Goal:” In a special episode of this series, Danny and his team urge Godly men to stand up for religious freedom. Airs 11 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 21.
• “Life is Worth Living: Quo Vadis America:” Archbishop Sheen tells the story of patriotism, investigates the two kinds of revolutions, and explains why every day in America should be Thanksgiving Day. Airs 5:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, June 24, and 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, June 30.
• “Life is Worth Living: The Three Major Glories of Being an American:” Archbishop Sheen discusses the origin of our rights and liberties, the great value Americans put upon the human person and what America has done for the world. Airs 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, June 23.
• “St. Thomas More: Faithful Statesman:” In this 13-part series, the career of this saint is examined for the numerous instances in which he displayed the virtues that distinguished him as a model for others in public and political life. All episodes air at 6 a.m. ET. Episode 1 airs Friday, June 15. Episodes 2 through 7 air Monday through Saturday, June 18 through June 23. Episodes 8 through 11 air Monday through Thursday, June 25 through June 28. Episode 12 airs Saturday, June 30, and Episode 13 airs Monday, July 2.
• “St. Thomas More: A Hero for Our Times:” A discussion of the life and heroic virtures of the man who gave his life to defend the Faith during the reign of Henry VIII. Airs 6 p.m. ET, Friday, June 22.
Also, please check our new web page, www.religiousliberties.org, for continuous updates as well as dates and times of newly added programs; to see or hear EWTN programs, news links, documentaries and films on the subject of religious liberty, the fortnight for Freedom, the HHS mandate and more; to get the latest news on EWTN’s lawsuit against the HHS mandate and related activities; to learn how the USCCB, Catholic dioceses and other Catholic organizations are promoting religious liberty; to view photo galleries with pictures from religious liberty rallies and related activities – and lots more!
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