Nation’s 250th Birthday Brings Scouts Together in Novena Prayer

WASHINGTON, DC — This July, as the Nation celebrates our 250th Anniversary, Catholic Scouts across the United States will come together in a novena to honor America and seek the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. United by faith, Catholic Scouting, an official program of the U.S. Catholic Church, invites Scouts, their leaders, and their families to join in this special prayer for our country, asking for blessings, healing, and guidance as we celebrate our nation’s history and future. No set dates are offered for the nine-day prayer—pray when you can. Access each day’s prayer here.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, is an advocate of scouting as a tool for helping youth develop a sound Catholic spiritual life. "Scouting ministry,” he says, “provides programs that effectively contribute toward the implementation of a comprehensive approach to Catholic youth ministry. Young people need the guidance of happy, healthy, and holy adult role models willing to share their faith in both word and action." Archbishop Broglio encourages scouts and their families across the country to join in the novena: “Prayer is an effective way to recognize the divine blessings that our Country has received. It is also a good way to ask Almighty God through the Blessed Virgin to continue to teach us to respond as she did—rushing to aid her cousin Elizabeth.”

Meanwhile, the Catholic Committee on Scouting of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), offers two Scout Activity Patches for Catholic youth and adults. The Civil War Catholic Nurses patch honors their courageous healing ministry as they served both Union and Confederate armies, and anyone else who was hurt. Learn more here. The Father Capodanno Patch honors Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno. The Vietnam War Navy chaplain hero’s words, deeds, and devotion to prayer and sacraments have inspired countless American Catholics, especially those serving in the military. Learn more here.

During the national birthday novena, you can sign up here to receive daily prayer intentions sent directly to your inbox. By signing up, you will receive reminders to guide you as you unite with Scouts nationwide in this powerful prayer for our country. Share this page with your fellow Scouts, Scouters, family, and friends.