In November 2011 Bishop Thomas John Paprocki came up with the idea for Fortnight to Freedom and suggested it to his fellow bishops — resulting in the first Fortnight events taking place in 2012. During the span of Fortnight, which is a period dedicated to the preservation of religious freedom through prayer, education and public action, the Catholic liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power.

For example, the Fortnight begins on the June 21, which is the eve of the feast day of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, both who sacrificed their lives in opposition to unjust laws. During those days the church also celebrates St. John the Baptist, Ss. Peter and Paul, and the first martyrs of the Church of Rome. Of course, Fortnight ends on Independence Day.

At noon on Tuesday, July 1, the diocesan Office for Social Concerns and Respect for Life, with funding provided by the Annual Catholic Services Appeal (ACSA), will sponsor a Freedom Prayer Rally for Religious Liberty. The annual rally will take place at the Lincoln statue at the State Capitol, on south Second Street and East Capitol Avenue. Bishop Paprocki will lead the prayer rally, which has been very well attended the last two years, with over 300 people attending in both 2012 and 2013. In case of rain, those who attend will congregate in the auditorium of the nearby Howlett Building.

“This year, the prayer, education and action for religious freedom is important for several reasons,” said Sister Jane Boos, SSND, director of the Office for Social Concerns and Respect for Life.

Those reasons are, she said: The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in late June on the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties cases (that are challenging the HHS mandate that requires them to include life-terminating drugs and devices in their companies’ health insurance plans); there are increasing threats to the religious freedom of those who believe that marriage is between one man and one woman; and it is important to establish and maintain religious freedom in response to issues such as immigration, adoption, etc.

“We are grateful that so many of our Catholics from around the diocese did attend our Fortnight for Freedom prayer rally (the last two years) and encourage everyone who is able, to attend and to bring a friend,” Sister Jane said.

For more information on Fortnight for Freedom, go to www.fortnight4freedom.org.