I am extremely saddened by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision that attempts to force the Little Sisters of the Poor to acquiesce to the Affordable Care Act’s contraception and abortion-services mandate or pay crippling fines. (See story on page one and editorial on this page.)

If you’re like me, you are scratching your head, wondering why the federal government has trouble understanding the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

And, while it gives me pause concerning EWTN’s own lawsuit, which is now pending before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, it does not lead me to lose heart. EWTN remains firmly committed to pressing forward with our own case in the federal courts. We will take all steps necessary to challenge this unjust, immoral mandate that defies the integrity of our nation’s Constitution and, more importantly, the truth of the Gospel.

Please keep EWTN and the Little Sisters — and all of the organizations that are trying to remain faithful in the face of such adversity — in your prayers as we persevere through these unsettling times.

God bless you!