A new video series featuring Cardinal Raymond Burke is exploring the Catholic understanding of patriotism as the U.S. approaches the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Titled “The Virtue of Patriotism,” the eight-part series is produced by the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and focuses on the relationship between faith, civic responsibility, and love of country.
The series is part of CatholicVote’s Zeale for America 250 campaign, and viewers can sign up to view it for free here. The initiative invites Americans to pray daily to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and cultivate the virtue of patriotism ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
In the videos, Cardinal Burke describes patriotism as a moral virtue rooted in gratitude and ordered toward the common good, distinguishing it from purely political or emotional expressions of national identity.
“True patriotism calls us to love our country rightly, to seek her true good, and to labor for her renewal, according to the moral law written by God upon the human heart,” Cardinal Burke says in the first episode. “Patriotism ennobles the heart. Patriotism becomes a path of holiness, uniting earthly duty to heavenly hope.”
The first episode, “The Meaning of Patriotism,” introduces themes that continue throughout the series, including the distinction between patriotism and nationalism, the role of moral law in public life, and the responsibilities of citizens.
Each episode includes discussion questions designed to prompt reflection on civic duty, gratitude for one’s homeland, and ways to promote the common good. Additional episodes are expected to be released every two weeks, and registrants will be notified as each episode becomes available.