Homilist Urges Faithful To Live Freedom

Again this year, three parishes on Evansville’s east side celebrated a July 4 Mass together in observance of Independence Day and America’s heritage of freedom. Father Bernie Etienne, pastor of Holy Rosary and Nativity parishes, served as principal celebrant of the Mass, which was held at Nativity. Father Alex Zenthoefer, pastor of Annunciation Parish, and Father Christopher Droste, Annunciation’s associate pastor, concelebrated.

In his homily, Father Zenthoefer challenged the faithful in attendance – and Catholics across our diocese, state and nation – to live their freedom through a faithful Christian witness. “I know that sometimes, especially recently, it seems as though the U.S. … our Mother ... has forgotten us,” he said, “but we cannot stop being the presence of Christ in this country.

“We are the voice of the helpless child … the hands that feed the hungry … the arms held open wide to the immigrant … the eyes of those who do not see the beauty of the stars of America because of violence and hatred. We are the vehicles of peace,” he added, “the agents of mercy.

“We are the soul that moves this nation toward the destiny that respects the dignity of every person. We are the presence of Christ in our nation. This is who we must be….”

Father Zenthoefer emphasized that Christianity “lived with fidelity ... with joy … will always win.

“No one can take away our ability to love,” he added. “The only path to true and lasting freedom is to love the ones God has put in front of us.”