Our Nation's Anniversary

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. This historic milestone offers an opportunity to reflect upon our nation's history, heritage, and the many blessings, challenges, sacrifices, and achievements that have shaped our country over the past two and a half centuries. For 250 years, America has been a place of hope, opportunity, faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and to consider the people, events, and ideals that have shaped our nation.

As a resident of the Greater Philadelphia area, I have always appreciated the rich history of our region. Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of our nation, and visitors from around the world come to see Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and the Liberty Bell, one of the most recognized symbols of freedom in the world.

In honor of this historic anniversary, the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation is sponsoring the Faith and Freedom America Pilgrimage from October 6–15, 2026. Hosted by Father Matthew Phelan and me, this special pilgrimage combines our nation's history with its rich Catholic heritage, offering pilgrims an opportunity to reflect upon the role of faith and religious freedom in the American story.

The pilgrimage begins in Washington, D.C., where pilgrims will visit many of the nation's most important landmarks, including memorials, monuments, and federal buildings. Highlights include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and other historic sites that tell the story of our nation's development. Pilgrims will also visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in North America and one of the most beautiful sacred sites in the United States.

From Washington, we travel to Baltimore, home of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first Catholic cathedral in the United States. Here, pilgrims will learn about the important role Catholics played in the early history of our nation and the development of religious liberty in America.

The journey continues to Philadelphia, where we will visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and other significant churches and shrines. Philadelphia offers a unique opportunity to reflect upon both our nation's founding and the faith that sustained many of its citizens throughout history.

In New York City, pilgrims will visit the 9/11 Memorial, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Saint Patrick's Cathedral. These sites tell the stories of sacrifice, immigration, resilience, and faith that have shaped our nation for generations.

Finally, we will travel to Boston, where pilgrims will walk portions of the famous Freedom Trail and visit historic churches, cathedrals, and landmarks associated with the American Revolution and the founding of our nation.

The pilgrimage includes hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, select dinners, deluxe motor coach transportation, admission fees, daily Mass, professional Catholic tour guidance, and much more through Trinity Tour Travels.

As we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, this pilgrimage offers an opportunity to deepen our faith, appreciate our history, and reflect upon the many blessings, challenges, sacrifices, and achievements that have shaped our nation over the past two and a half centuries. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a pilgrim seeking spiritual enrichment, or simply someone who wishes to mark this historic milestone in a meaningful way, we invite you to join us.

Click HERE to watch a short video about the pilgrimage.

Click HERE to register or to learn more.