delivered at a Naturalization Ceremony – 10/8/25
Let us turn our minds and hearts now to that which is eternal, known by all cultures and called by many names.
We give thanks this day for these souls who will take up the privileges and responsibilities granted as citizens of the United States.
We are grateful that they have chosen to call this country home, even as this country struggles to choose the immigrant.
We honor the time, effort and sacrifice that have brought them to this moment.
And we welcome the threads of their lives that will now be woven into the fabric of this nation. For we know that this nation is made stronger, more vibrant, and more American with each person who strives to be called “citizen.”
May those who take the oath this day enter into their rights and responsibilities with faithfulness and with joy. May all of us who have shared in the privileges of citizenship welcome them with open arms as we honor together the promise of this nation through the blessings of life, liberty, and happiness.
We ask all this on this day in all the names of that which is eternal, and in the spirit of freedom.
May it be so.
Amen