The Meaning of Patriotism

The Holy Mother Church teaches us that the virtues are divine gifts bestowed by God for our sanctification and for the right ordering of human society according to his law. Among these is a virtue often misunderstood or neglected in our time, the virtue of patriotism. Patriotism is not a mere sentiment or political allegiance. It is a moral virtue rooted in piety, By which we render due honor to God and to the earthly bonds through which his providence has granted us life and formed our identity.

Through our parents, families, and native land, God has bestowed immeasurable blessings, the gift of life, the experience of love, and the shaping of moral character. Patriotism recognizes these gifts with gratitude and accepts the duties that arise from them. It belongs to justice, for it gives what is due to our homeland, and to charity, for it seeks our nation's true good according to the moral law written by God upon the human heart. Rightly understood, patriotism ennobles the heart. It does not excuse wrongdoing, but impels us to work for the conversion of society, the defense of the innocent, and the protection of human life from conception to naturalization.

It strengthens family life, civic virtue, and fidelity to truth. For the Christian, patriotism becomes a path of holiness, uniting earthly duty to heavenly hope. When lived in the light of Christ, it helps prepare society to receive his reign, in which justice flourishes, peace endures. And the gospel shapes the destiny of nations.

O sacred heart of Jesus, King of heaven and earth, I place today my nation, the United States of America, into your heart, pierced for love of us. On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I acknowledge that true liberty is your gift, and that our lasting homeland is the eternal kingdom of God. Under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, and through the intercession of her Immaculate Heart, bless my homeland anew, purify her from sin, and guide her leaders in truth, justice, and peace.

So that she may safeguard all human life, respect the integrity of marriage and the family, and honor the practice of religion, reign in my home and in my nation, draw every heart into communion with you, that your truth, love, justice, mercy, and peace may triumph in America and throughout the world. Amen.