The Branches

I will listen for what God, the Lord, has to say; surely he will speak of peace to his people and to his faithful. May they not turn to foolishness! (Psalm 85:9)  

June 30, 2026

Hello Everyone —  

In less than three months, tens of thousands of people will descend on The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO, to participate in the beatification Mass of the Servant of God, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979). What a tremendous blessing to have this son of El Paso, IL, and priest of the Diocese of Peoria recognized for his sanctity. 

Known for his skills in the classroom, the parish, and on both radio and television, Sheen’s voice has remained strong and his message poignant despite the passing of years. He is ranked among the first of the televangelists. 

Sheen frequently wrote about democracy, warning that it cannot survive without religion or a moral foundation. His most famous quote on the subject highlights that a nation's ultimate survival depends on absolute values. Sheen stated: 

          Given a freedom that is independent of God, independent of the moral 
          law, and independent of inalienable rights as the endowment of the Divine 
          Spirit, America could vote itself out of democracy tomorrow. 

In a few short days, our country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of her founding. It is a crucial moment for everyone living within her borders to take stock of what we have and what we regularly take for granted.  

Please join me in praying frequently and devoutly the Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty:  

         O God our Creator, 
         from your provident hand we have received 
         our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 
         You have called us as your people and given us 
         the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, 
         and your Son, Jesus Christ. 

         Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, 
         you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, 
         bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel 
         to every corner of society. 

         We ask you to bless us 
         in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. 
         Give us the strength of mind and heart 
         to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; 
         give us courage in making our voices heard 
         on behalf of the rights of your Church 
         and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith. 

         Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, 
         a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters 
         gathered in your Church 
         in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, 
         so that, with every trial withstood 
         and every danger overcome — 
         for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, 
         and all who come after us — 
         this great land will always be “one nation, under God, 
         indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” 

         We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

         Amen.   

As I do for you, please pray for me,

Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee