'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. (Leviticus 19:15)

Let us pray: Holy Father, as we rejoice in the gift of our own lives and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy on this memorable occasion, we make an important commitment today to work for liberty and progress. We also commit Lord in promoting the rights of every human being most specially the poor who cannot defend themselves. Let your sovereign hands work on us all the time. Amen.