“Since many of our patriotic hymns are explicitly religious, they would not be inappropriate for the entrance or recessional hymn,” notes EWTN.com. “At our July 4 Mass here, the choir sang the Navy hymn at the Offertory (which has prayers for those who fight on sea, on the land and in the air), continuing the intercessory theme of the General Intentions.
“In addition, the Holy See has seen fit to approve a Mass for Independence Day, with three optional forms, which could be called patriotic Masses. Every nation has the right to have such national feasts in the Missal of their country. … Reasonable care ensures that an authentic patriotism, entirely compatible with the faith, is expressed.”
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