Both Canada (July 1st) and the United States (July 4th) celebrate their independence in early July. Dominica celebrates its independence on November 3rd. In these challenging and unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic, racial injustices, political polarization and economic upheaval, let us hold in prayer all who are inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice who opened his whole heart to Christ present and appealing to him in the poor.
During these days when we celebrate freedom and liberty across North America, let us do our part to stand with those who are not able to live in freedom, and let us advocate for those who are yearning to be free from oppression and tyranny. Let us not take our freedoms for granted; rather, let us embrace this freedom so that we can become a beacon of hope for the poor and marginalized in our midst.