Several rallies will be part of local observances of the Fortnight for Freedom, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' call for Catholics to devote June 21 to July 4 as a time to pray for, learn about the issues and push for religious freedom in the United States.
The bishops' issued the call as part of their opposition to planned changes in health care rules, which would require many religious institutions to provide employee health insurance covering sterilization, abortion and contraception.
The health-care changes are part of the Obama administration's health-care reform plan. The U.S.
Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of the health-care plan within the next few weeks.
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend announced previously that Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades will celebrate a Mass for the intention of religious freedom at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception, Jefferson Boulevard and Calhoun Street.
Prayer rallies will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and July 2-3 on the front steps of the
Cathedral, an announcement in the church bulletin at St. Jude Catholic Church said. The rallies are sponsored by the Cathedral, the local Franciscan Brothers Minor religious group and the World Apostolate of Fatima.
The rallies will include music by the Franciscan Brothers Minor, a talk by Franciscan Brothers Minor member the Rev. David Mary, and a praying of the Rosary while processing to the Allen County Courthouse, the bulletin announcement said
The Allen County Right to Life organization and Three Rivers Educational Trust Fund also will sponsor a Religious Freedom Rally at 10 a.m. Saturday at Freimann Square, Main and Clinton streets, the bulletin announcement said.
