June 18, 2022
Dear Friends in Christ,
Juneteenth is short for “June Nineteenth” and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. It marks a time of celebration and a symbolic end to a horrific era in our country’s history. We commemorate the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more generally the emancipation of African American slaves throughout the Confederate South. On that day, the word finally arrived in Texas, a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States. A joyful day yes, but also one that reminds us of one of our country’s gravest sins and how the impact of slavery, though abolished, still greatly influences the world we live in today.
As Catholics, we strive to nurture faith in action for peace and justice for all people through prayer, education, and social action. Join us in prayer for peace and justice on Juneteenth. One suggested act of support could be donating to museums that aim to preserve and educate about African American history. This can be an impactful way to mark the day. Locally we have the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture or the National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC. Also, reflect with us on our collective history and the future of our society through thoughtful meditation.
The Office of Black Catholics Ministries invites all of us in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to celebrate this day as a reminder of the transformative power of human liberation. We encourage all to spend time with our families, reflecting on the meaning of the day by using this as a day of education about our collective history and taking the time to pray for real change.
With kind personal regards, I remain
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore
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