As the U.S. prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, Catholics across the country are invited to form prayer groups as part of Zeale for America 250, a historic movement of national renewal through prayer.
Launched by CatholicVote in collaboration with Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, the initiative calls on one million Catholics to commit one hour each week to pray for the country and its people, with small, locally organized groups serving as the effort’s backbone.
The movement encourages participants to form neighborhood and parish-based groups and provides guidance on scheduling, locations, and meeting structure on its website.
Individuals who register to participate in the Zeale for America 250 movement are granted free access to a host of spiritual resources, including Cardinal Burke’s new eight-part video series on the Virtue of Patriotism, his “Daily Prayer for America 250,” and — now — the opportunity to form and register Zeale for America 250 Prayer Groups dedicated to praying for the country at its semiquincentennial.
Registering a prayer group helps document the nationwide reach of the effort and connects participants with ongoing resources and updates.
The campaign fosters devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.
A pinnacle of the Zeale for America 250 movement is a rally at the La Crosse Center in Wisconsin on June 13. A patriotic celebration of faith and country, it will feature speakers from sports, media, culture, faith, and public life, including Cardinal Burke, Michael J. Knowles and Baltimore Ravens Coach Joe Lombardi, grandson of famed Green Bay Packers Head Coach, Vince Lombardi.