You Can Protect our Nation and Service Men and Women!
                                          
Greetings!
 
I come from a family of veterans. Maybe you do, too. My paternal grandfather served our nation in France during the Great War. My father enlisted in the Army Air Corps during the Second World War. My late husband served in the Army during the Vietnam War period. And my son, Simon, served our country in both North Korea and Iraq in the early 2000’s.

All of these great men of my family are now deceased. But their love and legacy continues to live on through the freedoms we embrace in the United States of America. And so does my great appreciation for them and the service they rendered to our nation.

Every day brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect us and to secure our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. For those of us who are Christian, we know that true happiness only comes through relationship with Jesus Christ. And so, among the freedoms we enjoy is the freedom of religion – not just the freedom to worship, but the freedom to proclaim the truths of the Faith that lead us to the ultimate freedom – union with God.

And so, as we approach July 4, the date of our national independence, let us pray for those men and women who have placed themselves at the service of our freedom – both those who are gone from us and those who are actively engaged. This is, perhaps, the greatest way we can show them we love them and are grateful for their “fiat” to us and to our nation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church confirms that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the highest and greatest of prayers. I am confident that as the Eucharistic Celebration rises to the heavenlies, abundant graces will flow from the throne of the Father to our service men and women living and deceased.
I invite you to use the link below to send me the names of your loved ones. They will be sent directly to Father John Felix Opio, an ordained priest in the Archdiocese of Northern Uganda, who intercedes and prays for the prayer intentions of our Novena participants and supporters. The Novena of Masses will begin on July 4th. Perhaps you may want to join in this Novena by going to daily Mass during these nine days or by praying the prayer that closes this letter.

May the abundant life of Jesus Christ be yours, and may God bless you!

I remain,
Your Sister in Christ,
Johnnette Benkovic Williams
Founder and President

 
Prayer for Our Nation and Military Servants

God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people.

Send your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will.

We commend to your love, providence, and protection all those who have served our Nation in the past and those who serve Her now. We ask that your abundant mercy has been with those who lost their lives on battlefields and in the aftermath of war. We ask that you put a shield of grace around those who serve us now. In all cases, may all that they do bring glory and honor to you and protect the rights and freedoms that belong to every human person. 

We ask for the maternal beatitude and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and beseech that she confide to the folds of her mantle all those whom we love. May her garment become for them a safe harbor physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

We offer this prayer in confidence to you, Father, and in the name of Your Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. 
Amen.

 

Women of Grace® Mission Statement

Women of Grace® seeks to transform the world one woman at a time by affirming women in their dignity and vocation as daughters of God and in their gift of authentic femininity™ through ongoing spiritual formation.

The vision of Women of Grace® is a civilization and culture imbued with the spirit of the Gospel renewed, revitalized, and healed 
through the love of God.

Women of Grace® and all of its outreaches are consecrated to

We are a tax exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Learn more at  www.womenofgrace.com

Connect with us at  connect.womenofgrace.com


Image Source: Airmen return from Persian Gulf deployment on Independence Day 
Capt. Ross Farling, a C-130 pilot in the 123rd Airlift Wing, hugs his daughters during an emotional homecoming ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2015. Farling was among 39 Kentucky Air Guardsmen who were returning from a deployment to the Persian Gulf region, where they've been supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel since February. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)