During a Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul at the Cathedral of St. Paul June 29, Archbishop John Nienstedt urged several hundred worshippers in attendance to model the two saints by putting their faith into action in the public square.

After hearing his homily, they also had the chance for further reflection during a holy hour right after Mass. Both the Mass and holy hour were part of the local Church’s participation in the Fortnight for Freedom declared by the U.S. bishops in support of religious liberty.

The archbishop urged those in attendance to combat threats against conscience rights and religious freedom.

“Love of God must lead to love of neighbor, which means that love of God leads to action for the good of the other,” Archbishop Nienstedt said. “We are fighting not only for ourselves, but for our neighbors and our children, and the poor, and the vulnerable. The assaults against the rights of human dignity, [rights] enshrined in the Constitution, are assaults against our brothers and sisters.”

Worshippers also had the chance to join in prayers of petition for Pope Francis, all public officials, the respect for the dignity of human life, healing of troubled marriages, understanding of God’s plan for marriage, protection of conscience rights and religious liberty.