Feast Day September 9
St. Peter Claver, a patron of interracial justice who ministered to African slaves in 17th century Colombia, is a model who calls us to work actively against racism. Learn more about St. Peter Claver: St. Peter Claver
In August, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), which represents the majority of American religious sisters, opened their annual assembly with a public apology for our communal sin of racism. President Elise D. García, OP, speaking of the LCWR decision at last year’s assembly to focus on racism, “We recognized that addressing the sinful breach and heresy of racism and white supremacy is at the heart of our identity as women of the Gospel. It speaks to our authenticity as disciples of the One who called us “to love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) – of the One who witnessed radical love, even unto death as he was hung from a tree. This is a sacred task of cosmic dimensions.” How might their process of study and public witness inform our response to the challenges of facing racism?
- LCWR: The Realm of Transformation: Creating Space for the Future (LCWR summary with links to videos & texts from the Conference)
- What Does Catholic Sisters' Apology for Racism Mean? (Sojourners)
Additional Resources:
- Read the U.S. Bishops Letter Here: Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism
- How Church Teaching Can Help Explain why ‘Black Lives Matter (America: The Jesuit Review)
- African American Affairs Office, US. Bishops
- Novena for Racial Justice (Ignatian Solidarity Network)
- Overcoming Racism Stations of the Cross, St. Margaret Mary Church (Video, 2021)
