250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – Mass of Thanksgiving

Our Founders in God’s grace gave to us a great experiment in democracy that has enriched the world in countless ways during the two and a half centuries of America’s existence. This legacy is centered upon our aspiration to bind ourselves to principles of freedom, justice, equality, harmony, and peace.

As Catholics and Americans, our patriotism is built upon the glory of the aspirations that have brought immigrants from every land, race, and people to form a more perfect union among us.

We have the opportunity to celebrate with joy this legacy, this challenge, this dream for our nation.

Cardinal McElroy celebrated a Mass dedicated to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Watch a recording of the livestream here, to mark a day of Thanksgiving and Renewal for our country.

Were you unable to make it to the Mass for Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC? A parish near you may be having its own celebration.

Join us at any one of our participating parishes in the ADW area for a Mass celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Please contact the parish directly to confirm participation, Mass times, and more detailed information.

Watch the recording of the livestream below.

Download Cardinal McElroy’s homily from the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew’s.

250.º aniversario de la Declaración de Independencia – Misa de Acción de Gracias

Nuestros Padres Fundadores, por la gracia de Dios, nos legaron un gran experimento democrático que ha enriquecido al mundo de innumerables maneras a lo largo de los dos siglos y medio de existencia de Estados Unidos. Este legado se centra en nuestra aspiración de comprometernos con los principios de libertad, justicia, igualdad, armonía y paz.

Como católicos y estadounidenses, nuestro patriotismo se fundamenta en la grandeza de las aspiraciones que han traído a inmigrantes de todas las tierras, razas y pueblos para formar una unión más perfecta entre nosotros.

Tenemos la oportunidad de celebrar con alegría este legado, este desafío y este sueño para nuestra nación.

El cardenal McElroy celebrará una Misa dedicada al 250.º aniversario de la Declaración de Independencia en la Catedral de San Mateo el domingo 5 de julio de 2026, a las 11:00 a. m.