A few prominent Catholics are scheduled to speak at a May 17 event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump will rededicate the United States to “one nation, under God.”
Speakers will include Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire and member of the president’s Religious Liberty Commission, and Father Mike Schmitz, a Catholic media figure and host of “The Bible in a Year” podcast, according to an announcement by the White House.
Jonathan Roumie, the Catholic actor who plays Jesus Christ on the television series “The Chosen,” will also speak at the event. Cardinal Timothy Dolan will provide a video address for the event.
The programming for the event will include talks about Christianity in American history and the Christian faith of American historical figures along with prayers and Christian music.
Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and House Speaker Mike Johnson are scheduled to speak as well.
“Our mission is to gather the nation in prayer and worship, to have a moment reflecting on God’s providence in the birth and preservation of the United States, and this is really our opportunity to unite the country and rededicate our nation to God,” Justin Caporale, executive producer for major events and public appearances for the White House, said in a media call.
Some Protestant speakers expected include Pastor Jack Graham, Samuel Rodriguez, and Eric Metaxas. There will also be a video address by Franklin Graham. There will be musical performances by Chris Tomlin, Blessing Offor, and the U.S. Navy Band.
Trump announced the “Rededicate 250” event in February during the National Prayer Breakfast, which coincides with broader celebrations to honor the 250th anniversary of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Rededicate 250 event organizer, Freedom 250, is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Park Foundation.
“When our founders proclaimed the immortal truths that echoed around the world and down all the way through time, they declared that all of us are made free and equal by the hand of our Creator,” Trump said at the Feb. 4 breakfast.
Last September, Trump also launched the “America Prays” initiative, which asks Americans to create groups to dedicate one hour of prayer every week for the United States and its people leading up to the Fourth of July anniversary.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched separate events to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
In February, the USCCB asked parishes to contribute to 250 collective hours of adoration and 250 collective works of mercy in the lead up to the Fourth of July. The bishops asked parishes to report participation in the initiative and inform them of the fruits of the prayers and actions.
On July 12, the bishops will also reconsecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as part of the solemnity. This will occur during Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
