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Diocese to remember MLK with Mass
By Andrew Junker, The Catholic Sun
January 17, 2008
Catholics across the Valley will gather to honor the life and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. at a Mass and reception at St. Mary’s Basilica Jan. 21.
The 17th annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of a man whose fight for civil rights drew support from many Catholics, said Isaiah “Kit” Marshall, director of the diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry, which hosts the celebration.
“We think for the Catholic Church, it’s important to recognize that clergy marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma and in Washington, D.C.,” Marshall said. “White Catholics participated and felt that it was a worthwhile effort.”
King’s ability to draw members of different faiths and races together for a common cause is iconic, said Tricia Hoyt, director of the Office of Peace and Justice at Catholic Charities Community Services, which helps underwrite the Mass.
“One of the marvelous commonalities we have ecumenically is our concern for justice and for the creation of a world that is peace-filled,” Hoyt said. “Dr. King has become a symbol that quite easily transcends our denominations.”
The celebration will begin with a prelude at 2 p.m., which will include a dramatic reading of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will be the main celebrant for the Mass starting at 3 p.m. with Legionary of Christ Father Andrew McNair serving as homilist.
Choosing a homilist for the Mass takes a lot of thought, Marshall said. Fr. McNair came recommended to him by Bishop Olmsted. He teaches theology at Mater Ecclesiae College in Rhode Island and contributes to the National Catholic Register newspaper.
“We like to have someone for whom Dr. King was inspirational, and we like to have someone who’s a good homilist, who’s good at preaching,” Marshall explained.
But beyond hearing an inspiring homily, Marshall hopes Catholics will come to the Mass as an expression of the Church’s diversity.
“We always have an integrated celebration,” he said. “The Catholic faith is universal and I think this is a good way to remind us of that diversity.”
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