By Michelle Laque Johnson
"As Catholic bishops and American citizens, we address an urgent summons to our fellow Catholics and fellow Americans to be on guard, for religious liberty is under attack, both at home and abroad."
- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty
EWTN was the first to file a lawsuit after the government issued a mandate forcing religious employers to provide coverage for abortion-inducing drugs and more. Now, look to EWTN for coverage of the “Fortnight for Freedom,” a call by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for a 14-day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom, which begins June 21.
EWTN’s coverage on both television and radio begins with the Opening Mass celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori at 7 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 21, from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. The date was chosen because it is the vigil of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, two great martyrs of the Faith. This will be followed by a 10 a.m. ET Mass on June 22 celebrated by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. The Closing Mass – to be celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington and with a homily by Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput – will air at 12:10 p.m. ET, July 4, the day that Americans traditionally celebrate their most cherished freedoms.
(Note: Dates and times of all programs subject to change. Please check our website to confirm.)
Other programming during the Fortnight includes:
“World Over Specials:” At 8:30 p.m. ET, June 21, immediately following the Opening Mass, EWTN News Director Raymond Arroyo will host a live one-hour virtual national town hall meeting. Also, look for three special editions of "The World Over," which will air at 8 p.m. ET, Monday, June 25 where Raymond will hhost a 60-minute roundtable discussion on the Supreme Court regarding the HHS mandate; 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 28; and 1:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, July 4. These special editions will explore the threats to religious liberty with exclusive interviews with those directly affected, bishops, historians and policy makers.
“Women of Grace:” Host Johnnette Benkovic will host a week of specials focusing on attacks on our religious freedom. Airs 11 a.m. ET, July 2 to July 6.
“The History of the Catholic Church in the U.S.:” In this 13-part series, Historian Father Charles Connor looks at the origins of Roman Catholicism in the U.S. and how the Church managed to grow despite periods of persecution and discrimination. Airs 6:30 p.m. ET, Monday, June 18 through Thursday, July 5.
“Bookmark:” Host Doug Keck will interview authors of books celebrating the importance of religious freedom. Airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET and 11:30 p.m. ET from July 1 through August 19 with encores at 5 a.m. ET, Mondays, and 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesdays. Guests will include Archbishop Chaput (“Render Unto Caesar”), James Hitchcock (“The Supreme Court and Religion in American Life (Volumes 1 & II),” Janice Connell (“Spiritual Journey of George Washington”), Scott McDermott (“Charles Carroll of Carrollton”), Carl Anderson (“A Civilization of Love”), Robert Royal (“The God That Did Not Fail: How Religion Built and Sustains the West”), Thomas Woods (“How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization”), and Michael Novak (“On Two Wings: Humble Faith and Common Sense at the American Founding”).
“Crossing the Goal:” In a special episode of this continuing series, Danny Abramowicz and his team urge Godly men to stand up for religious freedom. Airs 11 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 21.
“Life is Worth Living: The Glory of Being an American:” Archbishop Sheen discusses the origin of our rights and liberties, the great value Americans put upon the human person and the good America has done for the world. Airs 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, June 23.
“Life is Worth Living: Quo Vadis America:” Archbishop Sheen tells the story of patriotism, takes a look at the U.S. yesterday and today, and explains why every day in America should be Thanksgiving Day. Airs 5:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, June 24, and 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, June 30.
“St. Thomas More: Faithful Statesman:” In this 13-part series, the career of this saint is examined for the numerous instances in which he displayed the virtues that distinguished him as a model for others in public and political life. All episodes air at 6 a.m. ET. Episode 1 airs Friday, June 15. Episodes 2 through 7 air Monday through Saturday, June 18 through June 23. Episodes 8 through 11 air Monday through Thursday, June 25 through June 28. Episode 12 airs Saturday, June 30, and Episode 13 airs Monday, July 2.
“St. Thomas More: A Hero for Our Times:” A discussion of the life and heroic virtues of the man who gave his life to defend the Faith during the reign of Henry VIII. Airs 6 p.m. ET, Friday, June 22.
Also, check out our new web page, www.religiousliberties.org, for continuous updates as well as dates and times of newly added programs; to see or hear EWTN programs, news links, documentaries and films on the subject of religious liberty, the fortnight for Freedom, the HHS mandate and more; to get the latest news on EWTN’s lawsuit against the HHS mandate and related activities; to learn how the USCCB, Catholic dioceses and other Catholic organizations are promoting religious liberty; to view photo galleries with pictures from religious liberty rallies and related activities – and lots more!
God bless Family!
