As Catholics prepared to mark the start of Religious Freedom Week, some Church leaders took to social media to address what the week means.

“Let us pray for and give witness to #ReligiousFreedom this week seeking the will of the Father first and His love for us!” Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila said in a tweet ahead of the first day of the observance. He then asked followers to think about this question as the week progressed: “Am I willing to give my life to #JesusChrist no matter what the cost?” 

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight had a similar take on the significance of the week.

Archbishop Samuel J Aquila | https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=413637707470487&set=a.413637667470491

“Religious Freedom Week is celebrated June 22 – 29," McKnight, bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri, said on Twitter. "It is a reminder to embrace the divine gift of freedom. May people of all faiths feel free to worship without fear.” 

This year’s theme is “Embracing the Divine Gift of Freedom,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said in a statement.

Religious Freedom Week started Thursday, which was also the feast day of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher. The feast day is a meaningful observance for the Church as it commemorates the bravery of two saints who were beheaded by the King of England in 1535, the University of Notre Dame reported in Faith ND, an alumni association newsletter. 

St. Thomas More and John Fisher had to choose between following the whims of Henry VIII or standing by their religious beliefs. They decided to remain true to the doctrines of the faith when they refused to condone the king's divorce or acknowledge his subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn. Putting their convictions first, of course, meant taking a stand against the king, Faith ND said in its report. Consequently, they paid the price. St. Thomas More was executed on June 22, 1535, and St. John Fisher was put to death nine days later. 

Several other events share days during Religious Freedom Week, as well. The Nativity of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24, and the feast of St. Peter and Paul falls on the last day of Religious Freedom Week.

The week gives the faithful time to engage in prayer, seek inspiration from the saints as models of faithful citizenship, and take action regarding areas that pose threats to religious freedom, the USCCB said in its press release. 

The USCCB underscored the significance of prayer and action in connection with several global issues that threaten religious freedom this year the group said in its release. Global concerns this year include the ongoing religious persecution in Nigeria, the importance of Catholic healthcare, immigration concerns, and the protection of religious freedom for Catholic institutions like schools and hospitals, the USCCB added.

Catholics are asked to pray about a different topic each day of the week. This year’s schedule: June 22 - Respect for Sacred Places, June 23 - Seal of Confession, June 24 - Nicaragua, June 25 - Religious Student Groups, June 26 - Religious Freedom in Nigeria, June 27 - Faith at Work, June 28 - Service to Immigrants and Refugees, and June 29 - Catholic Healthcare.