The U.S. Catholic bishops approved a dual initiative in November 2024 to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026. The effort asks parishes to contribute collectively 250 hours of Eucharistic adoration and 250 works of mercy serving vulnerable populations, including crisis pregnancy support, food pantry donations, and refugee assistance. Both campaigns lead to a national consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June 2026, drawing on historical precedent from Pope Leo XIII’s teachings. The bishops aim to promote national unity and healing through prayer paired with tangible service, with detailed resources available for parishes tracking participation.
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, the nation’s Catholic bishops have launched a spiritual observance pairing Eucharistic adoration with corporal acts of service. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the initiative during its November 11 fall plenary assembly in Baltimore, setting in motion two complementary campaigns that will culminate on July 4, 2026.
U.S. bishops unite prayer and service in a spiritual preparation for America’s 250th Independence Day celebration.
The first initiative, called 250 Hours of Adoration, asks parishes to contribute to a collective 250 hours of prayer before the anniversary date. Each parish may offer a Holy Hour weekly or monthly, with every person’s presence counting as one hour toward the national total.
The adoration incorporates contemplation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, deepening participants’ understanding of salvation. A PDF guide and reporting form are available to help communities track their participation.
The second campaign, 250 Works of Mercy, invites parishes and individuals to perform 250 collective acts of service for those most in need. Guidance is provided through a dedicated USCCB resource page, and communities report their efforts through a designated form.
The campaign reflects Christ’s love through tangible assistance to vulnerable populations. Examples include assisting women facing crisis pregnancy, donating to food pantries, sponsoring refugee families, and volunteering at homeless shelters. Some bishops have proposed pivoting from antagonism to cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to better serve detainees and address humanitarian needs.
Both initiatives lead to a broader consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, scheduled for June 2026 during the bishops’ spring assembly. The consecration will take place on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with parishes encouraged to join.
This act aims to entrust the nation to Christ’s love during the anniversary year.
The consecration draws on historical precedent. Pope Leo XIII taught about national consecrations to the Sacred Heart, and Pope Pius XI instituted the feast of Christ the King in his 1925 encyclical.
The Second Vatican Council later called for perfecting the temporal order with Gospel values.
The 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, themed “One Nation Under God,” will conclude July 4 in Philadelphia, where the Declaration was signed. The St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route honors the first canonized U.S. citizen, featuring processions, Masses, and service projects.
The observance invites all Catholics to pray for national unity and healing. A number of parishes are also encouraged to include baptismal renewal prayers and practices as part of their local preparations to connect sacramental life with acts of service.
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