In today’s homily, Fr. Matt offers a sobering reminder: a nation cannot survive spiritually if its people abandon truth. As Catholics, we are called not only to believe the faith, but to study it, to guard it, and to allow it to shape our daily lives. The Church teaches that the Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of Truth” (John 14:17), and when we invite Him into our hearts, He strengthens us to love what is good, reject what is false, and persevere through every trial. This is why the Catechism says that life in Christ transforms the whole of our existence (CCC 1691).

As we celebrate Independence Day, we naturally reflect on the gift of freedom, something so many have fought for and even died to protect. But as Catholics, we know that true freedom goes even deeper than politics or personal rights. Real freedom, explains Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, is choosing what is holy and what leads us closer to God. Then hear the story of Fr. Matthew Pawlikowski, a military chaplain who has spent his life forming soldiers for the battlefield and for spiritual battle.

What makes a true shepherd great? Strength in leadership, courage in the face of danger, and clarity in truth. Today, the Church celebrates Pope St. Leo the Great, whose faith shaped both the Church and the world during one of history’s darkest times.