Five Things To Remember On June 26

1. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld freedom of speech for pro-life Americans in a June 26 decision in the case of McCullen v. Coakley. The Court unanimously declared unconstitutional a Massachusetts law barring pro-life advocates from public sidewalks near abortion facilities. Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley of Boston, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement.

2. News.va reports: A press conference was held in the Holy See Press Office this morning to present the Instrumentum Laboris of the 3rd Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (5-19 October 2014) which will focus on “pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelization.”

2. In case you missed it: Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, stated in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, June 25, that the rise of the number of children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border represents a “test of our moral character” of the nation. “We must not fail this test,” he added. View his testimony at the 54 minute mark.

4. This week we are saying goodbye to Monsignor Richard Hilgartner, who is returning to the Archdiocese of Baltimore after serving seven years as executive director of the USCCB's divine worship office. He was responsible for helping implement the Roman Missal translation across the country nearly three years ago. In addition to his duties in Baltimore, Monsignor Hilgartner will also serve as president of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

5. God loves you.