Although February is celebrated as Black History Month in the United States, our parish community will recognize the importance of this history throughout the 2021 year.
At the beginning of February 2021 and Black History month, Cardinal Gregory made the following statement linking our shared American history:
So, throughout this month and beyond, we will share historical and current information on the history of the African-American through links and other media. Please check back here from time to time throughout this year to learn about the shared American history that is a part of all of us.
- Cardinal Gregory’s interview with Al Roker on The Today Show: https://www.today.com/news/america-s-1st-black-cardinal-wilton-gregory-opens-about-experiences-t208418
- Cardinal Gregory’s interview on CNN: https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/02/23/cardinal-gregory-prayer-tapper-covid-special-sot-vpx.cnn
- The Catholic Standard offers an informative and inspirational collection of interviews with black Catholics located here in our diocese. Click for flyer w/details and link to articles: Catholic Standard Black Voices Series 2021
- Origin of Black History Month – learn about Carter G. Woodson and the Association of the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) at https://asalh.org/about-us/about-black-history-month/
- Federal Government Web Portal: learn more about the offerings on black history at https://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
A Prayer from the USCCB
As in all things, we turn to prayer, asking Our Blessed Mother
to intercede on our behalf:
Mary, friend and mother to all,
Through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other.
We ask for your help in calling on your Son, seeking forgiveness for the times when we have failed to love and respect one another.
We ask for your help in obtaining from your Son the grace we need to overcome the evil of racism and to build a just society.
We ask for your help in following your Son, so that prejudice and animosity
will no longer infect our minds or hearts but will be replaced with a love that respects the dignity of each person.
Mother of the Church, the Spirit of your Son Jesus warms our hearts: pray for us.
