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Deacon Michael Forrest is one of Fidelity Month's organizers and its coordinator.
Q: Deacon Michael. how did you become involved in promoting Fidelity Month? What is your background?
A: I'm a Roman Catholic deacon in the diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. I write for publications like the National Catholic Register and speak to groups and conferences on various issues ranging from faith to pro-life. I also serve on the executive board of Massachusetts Citizens for Life and served for 10 years as Vice President of Haiti 180, a wonderful charity that serves the poorest of the poor in our hemisphere.
I met Dr. Robert George through our mutual pro-life advocacy. When he originally proposed the idea of Fidelity Month on Facebook in 2023, it immediately resonated with me and I knew he was just the person to successfully lead it, so I offered to help him organize and get it off the ground. We've been working closely together ever since.
Q: Why did, award-winning Princeton Professor, Dr. George launch the first annual Fidelity Month on June 1, 2023?
A: Back in 2023, Dr. George saw the results of a WSJ poll that indicated a precipitous decline in our fellow Americans' belief in the importance of such values as patriotism, religion, family, and community--the values that used to unite Americans despite our differences. The poll reflected his own sense of where we were as a people. So, he decided to take action to help restore those common values by proposing Fidelity Month.
Q: What are some of the practical ways individuals can live out the tenets of Fidelity Month?
A: Regardless of the faith we profess and practice, we need to begin with ourselves rather than focusing on others. For us, as Catholics, that means things like praying daily, reading the Scriptures, dedicating June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, getting to Mass on Sunday and holy days of obligation (and even daily Mass, if possible). regularly going to Reconciliation, and making a consistent effort to do the spiritual and corporal works of mercy--feeding the poor, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, comforting the sorrowing, etc. We also need to make an effort to be involved in our community--whether the PTO or city council. This covers the elements of fidelity to God, and fidelity to community.
Second, if we're married, we need to commit to being the most faithful and generous spouse that we can be. It means giving of ourselves to our spouses without reservation in the marital embrace--remaining open to life.
If the Lord blesses us with children, it means fully embracing the tremendous gift and responsibility He has given us. We do that by loving our children unconditionally, being there for them, giving both quantity and quality time, and educating and raising them in the Catholic faith.
Then, finally, we need to love our country. That doesn't mean refusing to acknowledge injustices of the past and present or blindly supporting everything our government does. We should correct injustices and pray for our leaders, becoming educated about our laws and candidates from an authentically Catholic perspective and voting accordingly.
Q: Why are fasting and prayer important parts of Fidelity Month?
A: Fasting is a spiritual discipline common to Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other religions. It can be a form of penance for sins, an offering of sacrifice to God, and a way in which we purify ourselves of worldly attachments, to pray and act more effectively. We need to repair our relationship with God. Fasting and praying is a powerful and effective way to heal division and bring unity.
Q: Is June 24 the Fidelity Month Day of Prayer and Fasting?
A: Yes! The response has been excellent. We're going to be sharing videos throughout the day on our social media pages to encourage and exhort everyone in their prayer and fasting.
Q: Mike Johnson, U.S. Speaker of the House, supports Fidelity Month. Is it your hope that other public servants support it, as well?
A: Yes. Speaker Johnson is an enthusiastic supporter of Fidelity Month. We also recently connected with the Congressional Family Caucus, and the Fidelity Month flag will soon be flying outside the office of Repl Mary Miller, chair of the caucus. Dr. George will be meeting with the other members of the caucus shortly to discuss ways in which we can collaborate.
Q: What happened to H.R. 4294, the bill to direct the President of the United States to designate one month each year as Fidelity Month?
A: We feel confident that the more members of the House hear about Fidelity Month, the more they will be drawn to it. Please call your congressman or congresswoman and ask him or her to co-sponsor H.R. 4294.
Q: How can we spread the word?
A. Some of the ways to share the message of Fidelity Month:
-Praying the Fidelity Month prayer. (Found on https://fidelitymonth.com
-Taking part in the Fidelity Month Day of Prayer and Fasting on June 24.
-Write articles or letters to the editor or post about Fidelity Month on your social media platforms.
-Petition your town, state, organization, or company to make a Fidelity Month declaration.
Marianne Zanko Komek is a freelance journalist whose articles have appeared in the National Catholic Register, the Catholic News Service, Catholic Philly, Joy in Truth, and The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper for the diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey. Her poetry has been featured in the children's magazine, St. Mary's Messenger. The Manhattan School of Music featured her poetry as lyrics for a composition performed there. She has also worked as an editor and editorial assistant for publishers in Manhattan. Marianne is a consecrated member of the International Marian Apostolate of Schoenstatt. She is also a graduate of the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative. In her spare time, she enjoys classical music, experimenting with recipes, and going for walks by the bay in her hometown. Her novel for teenagers, Promises to Theresa, is available on Amazon.
