Standing with the Church

Editor Patrick Novecosky writes that Catholics have great reason to be optimistic . . .

Patrick Novecosky

I admit it. I’m a news junkie. I scan the headlines every morning. I have my web browser open to key news sites during the work day, and before I go to bed … I check the news again. Just to keep my addiction in check, my wife made a rule: no smartphones at the table.

Some people find the news depressing — and for good reason! If you’re an avid reader of the weekly Legatus Insider, you know what I mean. Even though I often find myself scratching my head, wondering how the world could get any worse, I’m always looking for that nugget of good news. After all, we’re called to be people of hope.

Despite the culture of death pressing down on us, Catholics have great reason to be optimistic. Despite unconstitutional mandates, a cynical mainstream news media, and Hollywood elites regularly mocking our faith, we have an ace in the hole: We have the Truth on our side. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6). And we can be certain that we are on His side if we stand with the Church He founded.

In March, the U.S. bishops issued a statement clarifying their stand against the Health and Human Services contraception mandate. Despite the liberal media’s attempts to distort the issue, the bishops have made it abundantly clear from the beginning of this debate in January that this fight is about religious liberty, not contraception. They will not back down, and they will not comply. They need to know that we are firmly behind them.

“This is not about the religious freedom of Catholics only, but also of those who recognize that their cherished beliefs may be next on the block,” the bishops said in a March 14 statement. That sentiment is hitting home with people of all faiths. Even Glenn Beck, a Catholic-turned-Mormon, is sounding the alarm bells by saying, “We’re all Catholics now.” And polls show that the majority of Americans believe the mandate is unconstitutional.

Ultimately, the mandate’s constitutionality will be tested in the courts. A number of Catholic and pro-life organizations — including Priests for Life and Ave Maria University — have already filed suit. More will follow, including faithful Catholics who lead secular business organizations. If we stand with the bishops on this issue, if we fast and pray, and if we hold fast to the Truth, we will prevail in what is truly important — even if the world is against us.

Patrick Novecosky is Legatus magazine’s editor.