Juneteenth Resources Roundup

Though Juneteenth has been celebrated for over 150 years in some African American communities, its new designation as a federal holiday increases awareness of the challenges our nation faces as it confronts the sin of racism and its consequences for our whole society. Justice and reconciliation will not be accomplished overnight, but a day of observance like Juneteenth provides a moment to reflect, pray, and act.

Many members of the Catholic Cares Coalition offer resources for observing Juneteenth as well as understanding and confronting racism in our society and our church. Our hope is that the following links will be useful to you in your ministry, formation and prayer on this new opportunity to heal our country:

• Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities - Prayers and Reflections
• Catholic Health Association Juneteenth Prayer Service and Social Justice Prayer Library
• Cause for Sainthood of Six African Americans 
• NETWORK: White Supremacy in American Christianity, Parts 1 & 2
• Why Black Lives Matter – A Catholic Perspective on Racism 
  (video of talk by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky)

Fr. Matthew Hawkins, parochial vicar at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Pittsburgh, PA, writes:

The celebration of Juneteenth can allow us to reflect on how we can contribute to a more just society within our communities and spheres of influence, promoting, for all races, the right to life and the dignity of the human person from conception until natural death. This is the opportunity that celebrating the holiday of Juneteenth brings to all people of faith.