In a letter to all priests, deacons and religious of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey expressed his solidarity with the other bishops of the United States in their grave concern over recent challenges to religious liberty and freedom of conscience by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The bishop announced the "Fortnight for Freedom," which will be observed in the Diocese of Corpus Christi as well as other dioceses around the country. The two-week campaign will include prayers and observances, both for the grace of God and to inform the consciences of Catholics in regard to matters of religious liberty.
The Fortnight will begin Thursday, June 21 with a 7 p.m. Mass in Corpus Christi Cathedral asking God for the protection of religious liberty. On Sunday, June 24, all priests and deacons of the diocese will focus their homilies on religious liberty at all Masses.
On Wednesday, June 27, at 6 p.m. the diocese will hold a symposium in the Cathedral, during which the bishop will give an important address on religious liberty. The Fortnight will conclude on July 4 with a Mass for Independence Day in all parishes.
In his letter the bishop asked Catholic clergy and religious to encourage all of the faithful to attend the special service on June 21 and to invoke special prayers at the end of each Mass during the Fortnight. He also asked everyone to pray the Rosary each day during the observance, asking for the protection of religious liberty.
The bishops of the Catholic Church view recent mandates by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a serious challenge to freedom of conscience and religious liberty. The mandates require inclusion of contraception, abortifacients and sterilization procedures in the healthcare plans of individuals employed by Catholic institutions, including Catholic universities, hospitals and charitable organizations.