Jan 16, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Yesterday, as Americans celebrated what would have been the 77th birthday of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Arlington, Virginia’s Bishop Paul S. Loverde called on faithful to "stand in solidarity with our African American brothers and sisters to honor a great man, a prophet."
Bishop Loverde was on hand to celebrate Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in nearby Alexandria. The Church’s 240 seats were packed with a standing room only crowd of both African American and white worshipers.
"Like Samuel,” the Bishop said in his homily, “Dr. King heard the Lord's voice, which called him to cry out against injustice, violence and racism…He pointed toward a future where all people would live together as brothers and sisters, regardless of race, color or creed."
Bishop Loverde also stressed the need for more black priests to serve in the 400,000 member diocese. Currently, there are only two African American priests, and one is in retirement.
St. Joseph’s parish was established in 1915--partially through the help of Philadelphia’s St. Katherine Drexel--to minister to the city’s African American population. Today, it is home to around 500 parishioners.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA