A few prominent Catholics are scheduled to speak at a May 17 event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump will rededicate the United States to \u201cone nation, under God.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speakers will include Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire and member of the president\u2019s Religious Liberty Commission, and Father Mike Schmitz, a Catholic media figure and host of \u201cThe Bible in a Year\u201d podcast, according to an announcement by the White House.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Roumie, the Catholic actor who plays Jesus Christ on the television series \u201cThe Chosen,\u201d will also speak at the event. Cardinal Timothy Dolan will provide a video address for the event.<\/p>\n
The programming for the event will include talks about Christianity in American history and the Christian faith of American historical figures along with prayers and Christian music.<\/p>\n
Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and House Speaker Mike Johnson are scheduled to speak as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur mission is to gather the nation in prayer and worship, to have a moment reflecting on God\u2019s providence in the birth and preservation of the United States, and this is really our opportunity to unite the country and rededicate our nation to God,\u201d Justin Caporale, executive producer for major events and public appearances for the White House, said in a media call.<\/p>\n
Some Protestant speakers expected include Pastor Jack Graham, Samuel Rodriguez, and Eric Metaxas. There will also be a video address by Franklin Graham. There will be musical performances by Chris Tomlin, Blessing Offor, and the U.S. Navy Band.<\/p>\n
Trump announced the \u201cRededicate 250\u201d event<\/a> in February during the National Prayer Breakfast, which coincides with broader celebrations to honor the 250th anniversary of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Rededicate 250 event organizer, Freedom 250<\/a>, is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Park Foundation.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen our founders proclaimed the immortal truths that echoed around the world and down all the way through time, they declared that all of us are made free and equal by the hand of our Creator,\u201d Trump said at the Feb. 4 breakfast.<\/p>\n Last September, Trump also launched the \u201cAmerica Prays\u201d initiative<\/a>, which asks Americans to create groups to dedicate one hour of prayer every week for the United States and its people leading up to the Fourth of July anniversary.<\/p>\n The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched separate events to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.<\/p>\n