From the Desk of Fr. Leo: On Patriotism and Piety:
As we celebrate our nations independence, we do well to consider how people develop a spirit of patriotism.
​From a Catholic perspective, patriotism can be understood as a fruit or expression of
​the Holy Spirit’s Gift of Piety.

Click here to view 
Invocation by Father Leo at 
Son's of the American Legion's America's
250th Birthday Celebration 

What is the gift of piety?
The gift of piety perfects the virtue of justice by helping us relate rightly to God as our loving Father and to others according to the relationships God has established. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, piety inclines us to honor and serve both God and those from whom we have received important benefits, such as parents and our homeland.
​
Why does piety include love of country?
Catholic tradition sees several natural communities as deserving gratitude and service: God, from whom all blessings come; Family, through whom we receive life and upbringing; and Country or homeland, through which we receive culture, language, laws, security, and much of the common good that enables us to flourish. Because piety fosters gratitude toward those to whom we owe a debt, it naturally extends beyond family to one's nation. Love of country, therefore, is not merely an emotional attachment but an act of justice and gratitude. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that love and service of one's country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity and justice (see 2239).

How is patriotism a fruit of piety?
When the Holy Spirit strengthens a person through the gift of piety, several attitudes can emerge: Gratitude for the blessings received through one's nation; Respect for legitimate civil authority; Concern for the common good; Willingness to contribute through civic participation, honest work, voting, military service when justly required, or other forms of public service; and Desire to improve one's country rather than merely criticize it. In this sense, patriotism is a practical expression of piety. The Christian loves his country because he recognizes it as one of the communities through which God has provided for him.

What patriotism is not:
​Catholic teaching carefully distinguishes patriotism from nationalism or the belief that one's nation is superior to all others. Authentic patriotism Loves one's country while recognizing its faults; Seeks the true common good; Respects the dignity of people from other nations; and Remains subordinate to God's law and the universal brotherhood of humanity. The Christian's ultimate citizenship is in the Kingdom of God, so love of country can never justify injustice, hatred, or disobedience to God. In Catholic theology, the gift of piety moves a person to honor and love those to whom he owes gratitude. Since a nation contributes significantly to a person's life and well-being, the Holy Spirit's gift of piety naturally gives rise to patriotism: a grateful, charitable, and just love of one's country directed toward its authentic good and always ordered under love of God. ​

Introducing this year’s homemade quilt beautifully crafted by the hands of Chris Tomosky.
The quilt is called Jubilation. Chris pieced the quilt in about three months. The size is 100 x 100 inches and should fit a king/ queen-sized bed.  Chris selected the backing because it had all the colors from the front in a dragonfly motif. Either side of this quilt can be used as the top.
The quilt is machine-washable and machine dryable. Use a cool wash and a medium dry. All the fabrics used are cotton or cotton batiks.  The batting is 80/20 cotton/ polyester.

Raffle tickets are 1 for $5.00 or 3 for $10.00

Fatima Devotions:
Monday, July 13
6:30 pm

by St. Ann Shrine (FX)
​
Rain location: inside FX
​​This devotion recalls the six apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta--
between May 13 and Oct. 13, 1917 in Fatima, Portugal.
​You can observe this devotion each month by attending Mass offering it in honor of Our Lady and for the conversion of sinners. Pray the rosary adding the Fatima Prayer after each decade: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. With each Mystery, reflect on Christ’s life through Mary’s eyes. Offer sacrifices such as fasting, giving up comforts, and bearing difficulties patiently. Consecrate yourself to the Immaculate Heart. And consider spending some time in Adoration united to Mary’s love for Him

Next ​Theology on Tap at PJ's. 
Friday, July 17 at 6:00 pm

Save the dates for future Theology on Tap:
August 21; September 18; October 23;
​November 13 & December 11




Want to catch up on previous sessions?
Click here to find notes from sessions

Prayer to
​Saint Francis Xavier

Great Saint Francis, well beloved and full of charity, in union with you I reverently adore the Divine Majesty.  I give thanks to God for the singular gifts of grace bestowed on you in life and of glory after death, and I beg of you, with all the affection of my heart, by your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to live a holy life and die a holy death.  I beg you to obtain for me (mention your petition).  But if what I ask is not for the glory of God and for my well-being, obtain for me,
​I beseech you, what will more certainly attain these ends. 
Amen.