Hear a heartfelt, hopeful conversation about faith, freedom, and good ol’ fashioned patriotism with Catholic journalist Erika Ahern. She asked people what it is that makes them love America.
Patriotism with Purpose
🗽The testimonies gathered by Erika about why people love America weren’t about flag-waving for its own sake.
They were about the freedom to pursue the good… to live virtuously, follow God’s call, and raise families in peace. That’s the kind of freedom that fosters holiness.
America: A Place Where the Imago Dei Can Flourish
Erika draws a powerful connection between American ideals and Catholic teaching.
She reminds us that the image of God in every person (Imago Dei) shines brighter when we have the freedom to seek truth, speak it, and worship God… all core American freedoms.
America = Gift + Responsibility
Many of the testimonies saw America as a gift… not just a country, but a calling.
Erika says that kind of gratitude fuels a desire to protect and pass on this gift to the next generation.
Let’s Talk Gratitude
In a culture that loves to gripe 😒, Erika says Catholics should be the loudest voices of thanksgiving, especially on holidays like the 4th.
Read the Declaration of Independence with your kids. Pray a Rosary for America. Talk about the blessings we didn’t earn but were given. That’s great advice from Erika!
Catholic Patriotism is rooted in:
📖 Natural law
🕊️ Religious freedom
⚖️ God-given dignity
🤍 Gratitude
🌱 Hope for the future
Erika believes we Catholics were made for this moment… to remind our nation of its soul, its founding on transcendent truths, and its potential for holiness.
This 250th birthday season (leading up to 2026 🎉), Catholics are called not just to wave the flag, but to lift up the nation in prayer, teach our kids the truth, and reclaim the noble vision of America that puts God first.
Because when God is first… everything else falls into place.
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS