Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of a Christian is emphasized by the Church throughout the year with various feast days. For example, on February 11th we celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes. On August 5th, we celebrate the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

For many people, these summer days offer more opportunities to spend time together, rest, and create cherished memories with those we love. For families with children in school, months filled with work, studies, activities, and responsibilities, summer gives us the chance to renew our strength and dedicate more time to family, friendship, and our spiritual lives.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Every Catholic has a part to play in the public square. Lay Catholics have the task of infusing the secular order with Christian values through civic responsibilities, including political participation. The pope, bishops, priests, deacons and religious are to faithfully hand on moral and social teaching so Catholics can form their conscience.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Catholics are called to participate in meaningful and active ways in the public square as citizens. This happens in a particular and meaningful way through voting. Our public life as a Catholic serves the common good of society and respects fundamental moral truths of our faith. At the same time, the Church's role is primarily to form consciences and offer moral judgment, not to replace the State or to run political power.

Dear Brother and Sisters,

As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops joins this celebration by lifting up the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

God's love for us is poured out in the sacrament of the Eucharist, where Christ is truly present for us, giving us life and healing. The Roman Catholic Church has consistently held fast to the belief in the Real Presence. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: