Some prominent Catholics are scheduled to speak at an event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17, where President Donald Trump will rededicate the United States to “one nation under God.”
Speakers will include Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, founder of Word on Fire and a member of the President’s Religious Freedom Commission, and Father Mike Schmitz, Catholic media personality and host of “The Bible in a Year” podcast, according to a White House announcement.
Catholic actor Jonathan Rumi, who played Jesus Christ in the television series “The Chosen,” also will speak at the event. Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver a video address for the event.
The event’s programming will include conversations about Christianity in American history and the Christian faith of American historical figures, as well as prayer and Christian music.
Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson are also scheduled to speak.
“Our mission is to gather the nation in prayer and worship, to reflect a moment on God’s providence in the birth and preservation of the United States of America, and this is our opportunity to really unite the country and rededicate our nation to God,” Justin Caporale, executive producer of major White House events and public appearances, said in a media call.
Some of the Protestant speakers expected include Pastors Jack Graham, Samuel Rodriguez and Eric Metaxas. There will also be a video address from Franklin Graham. There will be musical performances by Chris Tomlin, Blessing Offor and the US Navy Band.
Trump announced the “Rededicate 250” event during the National Prayer Breakfast in February, which coincides with widespread celebrations to honor the 250th anniversary of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Organizer of the Radidicate 250 event, freedom 250is a non-profit subsidiary of the National Park Foundation.
“When our Founders proclaimed those immortal truths that have echoed time and again around the world, they declared that we were all created free and equal by the hand of our Creator,” Trump said at the February 4 breakfast.
Last September, Trump also launched the “America Pray” initiative, which asks Americans to form groups to dedicate an hour of prayer every week leading up to the Fourth of July anniversary for the United States and its people.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched separate events to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
In February, the USCCB asked parishes to contribute 250 collective hours of worship and 250 collective acts of mercy by the Fourth of July. The bishops asked parishes to report participation in the initiative and to inform them about the fruits of prayers and actions.
On July 12, the bishops will also consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as part of the Solemnity. It will take place during Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
