In recognition of the Fourth of July — along with the nation’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing — The Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul is hosting an evening of music and fireworks.
Starting at 7:30 p.m. July 4, musician Steven C will hold a free concert inside the Cathedral. Joining the pianist and composer will be singers, two organists, two conductors and musicians playing the guitar, mandolin, violin and trumpet, among other instruments, for a series of “patriotic favorites,” according to the event’s webpage. The evening’s concert will also include a tribute to veterans and active-duty military.
Following the concert, which concludes at 9 p.m., a fireworks show will be held outside the Cathedral, hosted by the St. Paul Rotary Club.
Event and suggested donation information can be found online.
The event at the Cathedral comes after the U.S. bishops consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during an afternoon Mass June 11 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
In his homily during the Mass, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore described the consecration as an act of faith and hope as well as an acknowledgment of the need for God’s mercy, wisdom and guidance, reported OSV News.
“To consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart is ultimately to accept Christ’s invitation to remain in his love and to allow that love to shape every aspect of our lives, public and private,” Archbishop Lori said. “It is a declaration that the future does not belong merely to political movements, economic forces, or human plans. The future belongs to God.”
