Carmen Álvarez Cuadrado
June 11 will be an important day for Catholics in the United States. The U.S. bishops will consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence. The consecration will take place a week after July 4, Independence Day.
They will do so in Orlando, Florida, during the USCCB Plenary Assembly, which will run from June 10 to 12 and comes with two other important developments.
On the one hand, Bishop Paul Coakley will deliver his first official speech as the new president of the Bishops’ Conference. He was elected on November 11, 2025.
It will also be an opportunity for the new papal nuncio to the United States, Gabriele Giordano Caccia, to address the bishops for the first time since his appointment in March.
All of this will take place in light of America's 250th anniversary, for which some details have already emerged. There will be a Mass on Thursday, June 11, but before that, the bishops will hear reflections on the Sacred Heart and it will also be live streamed at parishes
The bishops’ livestream event is intended to be a catalyst to encourage parishes and individuals to participate in the America 250 commemoration by contributing to 250 Hours of Adoration and/or 250 Works of Mercy.
The aim of this unique initiative is for Catholic faithful in the United States to take part in what will be one of the most important dates for them in 2026.
