Anne DeSantis
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, our eyes naturally turn to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American freedom. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the United States Constitution was later debated and signed, laying the foundation for the liberties we continue to cherish today.
The Declaration boldly proclaims that “all men are created equal” and “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.”
Those enduring words remind us that our freedoms are not merely granted by governments but are gifts rooted in the dignity bestowed upon every human person by God. Philadelphia is also known throughout the world as the City of Brotherly Love.
In a world too often marked by indifference, division, and violence, we are called not merely to admire our history but to live it. The sacrifices of our nation’s founders remind us that freedom is a precious gift that carries with it an important responsibility.
A Heritage of Faith
As Christians, we know that our greatest freedom is found in Jesus Christ, who calls us to lives of truth, charity, and faithful witness. There is a beautiful connection between our nation’s history and our Catholic faith.
Philadelphia is home to a remarkable spiritual heritage, including the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, dedicated in 1864. Along with our many historic parishes, schools, and ministries, it reminds us that faith has long been at the heart of our city’s story.
Our history is not meant to remain in museums or history books. It is meant to inspire us to live with the same courage and conviction as those who came before us. Every generation receives the gift of freedom, but every generation must also choose how it will use that gift for the glory of God and the good of others.
While we rightly celebrate with parades, fireworks, and patriotic gatherings, our gratitude reaches its fullest expression when we become faithful witnesses to the blessings God has entrusted to us.
A Call to Mission
When Pope Francis visited Philadelphia for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, he encouraged the Church to accompany families with compassion, especially those experiencing hardship or crisis. His visit reminded us that evangelization begins with encounter and that every family deserves to know the mercy, hope, and encouragement of Christ through His Church.
Pope Leo XIV has continued that same missionary vision. In his first greeting to the world following his election on May 8, 2025, he proclaimed, “Peace be with you all!” He continued, “I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world.”
His words remind us that true peace begins with Christ and is meant to be shared through our witness. As missionary disciples, we are called to bring that peace into our homes, parishes, workplaces, and communities.
As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, perhaps the greatest way we can honor those who secured our freedoms is by using those freedoms to glorify God. We are blessed beyond measure, and our response should be to live our faith boldly.
At times, the challenges facing our nation, our communities, and even our own families may seem overwhelming. Yet history reminds us that renewal often begins with ordinary people who choose to live the Gospel faithfully each day.
Becoming a faithful witness does not require extraordinary circumstances. It begins with simple, everyday decisions to know Christ more deeply, to pray with confidence, and to love others as He has loved us.
Three Ways to Be a Missionary Disciple
First, never stop learning about your faith. Read Sacred Scripture, become familiar with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and learn about the saints and the rich history of the Church, especially here in Philadelphia.
As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, let us also celebrate the freedom to grow in faith and share it with future generations. The more we know Christ, the more confidently we can become faithful witnesses to Him.
Second, make prayer a daily habit and faithfully practice your Catholic faith. Speak with God throughout the day and entrust to Him your family, your parish, your neighbors, and our nation.
Participate in Mass every Sunday, receive the Holy Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation frequently, and allow God’s grace to strengthen you. Ask the saints to intercede for you, and never doubt God’s personal love for you.
Third, practice charity through forgiveness and loving service. We all experience disappointments and wounded relationships, yet Christ continually calls us to forgive, to serve generously, and to love without counting the cost.
If we want to change the world we must begin at home, in our families, among our friends, and within our own hearts. Is there someone you need to forgive, perhaps even yourself? Every act of forgiveness creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond what we can imagine.
As citizens of the City of Brotherly Love, we are called not simply to bear that title but to live it. Every prayer, every act of mercy, every encouraging word, and every generous deed becomes a witness to the Gospel.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, let us remember with gratitude all those who sacrificed so that we might live in freedom and peace. Even more importantly, let us embrace the freedom Christ has given us by becoming faithful witnesses and missionary disciples who proclaim His love in both word and action.
May God continue to bless our families, our Church, our City of Brotherly Love, and our nation. As faithful witnesses and missionary disciples, may we always use the gift of freedom to glorify God and to serve one another in love. And may God bless the United States of America.
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Dr. Anne DeSantis is a national Catholic speaker and author who attends Saint Mary Parish in Schwenksville. She is the executive director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith, a nonprofit dedicated to offering pastoral support and accompaniment to individuals and families in crisis. To learn more, visit AnneDeSantis.com.
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