Celebrate 250 Years of Faith, Hope & Freedom
As America marks its 250th anniversary, let us come together in prayer and gratitude for our nation and for all those who need God’s love and mercy.
Join Catholics across the country in offering prayers for peace, unity, and the future of our nation.
Special messages on the occasion of America's 250th anniversary
Archbishop Nelson Perez of Philadelphia
A Message from Ms. Hala Warda School Principal in Erbil
Coming to America
From Persecution to Freedom: One Catholic's Journey to America
Denis Alaniz never imagined that living his Catholic faith would cost him his homeland. After imprisonment and threats from an oppressive regime, he fled to the United States in search of the freedom so many take for granted. Today, he continues to speak for the faithful who cannot.
Nigerian Priest Speaks of America and Hope for Religious Freedom
He watched his fellow seminarian die in a terrorist attack that changed his life forever. Now, after years of living under the constant threat of violence in Nigeria, one young priest has found something many take for granted in America: the freedom to worship without fear.
Bishops Celebrate America and Faith
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia - Apostolic Nuncio
“As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is fitting to give thanks for the ideals that have shaped the nation’s history, especially human dignity, religious liberty, and the conviction that the rights of the person are rooted in the Creator.
I am grateful to Aid to the Church in Need for this initiative and for its continued witness on behalf of suffering Christians throughout the world. May this anniversary renew in us the commitment to uphold human dignity and to work together for solidarity and peace. “
Timothy Cardinal Dolan - Archbishop Emeritus of New York
“This providential celebration of our 250th prompts us to praise “the God in whom we trust” for our “first and most cherished freedom,” religious liberty! My brother cardinals with me in Rome as I write this constantly thank me and the other American cardinals for our advocacy of religious freedom, telling me they are bolstered by our example, and deeply appreciate our defense of persecuted religious minorities around the globe. God bless America! God bless Aid to the Church in Need! “
Bishop Michael Sis - Bishop, Diocese of San Angelo in Texas
”As Christians, we can serve as the ‘conscience of society.’ We participate, critically evaluate, challenge, and call to account. We seek to permeate and transform the world for Christ. We bring the seed of Christian truth to the social order. An anonymous Christian patristic writer in the second century A.D. wrote in his Letter to Diognetus, ‘What the soul is to the body, let Christians be to the world…’ As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our country, all of us would do well to do an examination of conscience regarding our own fulfillment of the duties of responsible citizenship.”
Bishop Edward Malesic - Bishop, Diocese of Cleveland
“One of the greatest ways we can celebrate this historic anniversary – the birth of our nation – is not simply by remembering the past and honoring our heroes, but by building a future rooted in faith, charity, and hope. The generations that came before us laid the foundations of this country through courage, sacrifice, and trust in God. We honor their legacy and build on their shoulders by doing the same in our own time. As Christians, we know that freedom is one of God’s greatest gifts. He created us with free will, allowing us to choose the path we will follow. Every day we arrive at countless crossroads where we must decide whether to seek our own desires or to seek God’s will. May we use the freedom God has given us wisely. May we choose the path that leads us toward him and toward one another. And may our lives help build not only a stronger nation, but also the Kingdom of God on earth and in our great country.”
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan - Bishop, Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
“As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we are called to consider our country’s leadership throughout the world, as well as our moral obligations as citizens of our great nation. As Our Lord said, “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Let us remember, especially, our Christian brothers and sisters suffering persecution all over the world, especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Let us pray for them, accompany them, and, crucially, speak for them in the centers of power, both here in the United States, and all over the world.”
Bishop James D. Conley - Catholic Diocese of Lincoln
“As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we thank God for the freedoms he has bestowed upon us in this great country. Freedom, though, also brings with it responsibility. We must stand for human dignity. We must protect the most vulnerable in our society. We must love our neighbor, even when it’s difficult. We call upon our Creator for the courage and strength to defend these values. We recognize God is the only path to true freedom in our lives. Let us be thankful today that we live in a country that allows us to walk that path and pray we never stray from it.”
Bishop Gregory Mansour - Diocesan Bishop, Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
“The saints and blesseds of the United States are a source of great inspiration. Men, women, youth, lay, religious, and clergy as well as different ethnic backgrounds make the saints from the USA among the most diverse and interesting. They tell the great story of America. Aid to the Church in Need, CNEWA, the Papal Fund, as well as many other Catholic charitable institutions are among the most generous in the world. As a Maronite Catholic Bishop I see the work done by these agencies overseas and I am so very grateful for American Catholic generosity.”
Reflections on American Saints
Our chaplain, Msgr. Luke Sweeney, takes us on a journey with American saints and their impact on our country.
A Message for our Donors
Happy 250th Birthday to our Nation!
As we celebrate this historic milestone, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the blessings we enjoy as Americans—especially the freedom to live and practice our Faith openly. It is a gift that millions of Christians around the world still do not have.
That reality brings me back to our mission at Aid to the Church in Need and to faithful supporters like you. Your generosity helps sustain Christians facing persecution, violence, and discrimination simply because of their belief in Christ. Through your support, they receive not only practical assistance, but also the reassurance that they are not forgotten.
As we celebrate 250 years of faith and freedom, I thank you for consistently remembering those who are denied both. Please continue to bring hope, encouragement, and vital support to suffering Christians who long for the freedoms we often take for granted. May God bless you and our nation.
Stay Connected
Light a Candle for America
For 250 years, generations have entrusted their hopes and prayers to God.
Today, you are invited to continue that tradition by lighting a virtual candle for:
- Peace
- Unity
- Family
- Religious Freedom
- Those who serve our country
- The suffering Church around the world
- Your own special wishes for our nation
A Special Prayer
On the Occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Aid to the Church in Need is a Catholic charity under the guidance of the Holy Father. Since 1947, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have served the spiritual and humanitarian needs of our suffering and persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.
