On Black Catholic Spirituality as a Force in the Fight against Racism

"Two Black Catholic pastors in Philadelphia say their parishes are drawing strength from the Eucharist, prayer and a rich spiritual heritage in the fight against racism.

"'St. Katharine Drexel used to say, "We go in to go out,"' said Father Stephen Thorne, pastor of St. Martin de Porres in North Philadelphia. 'What she meant was that (our time with) the Blessed Sacrament gives us the energy to go forth and do justice.'

"'Black Catholics continue to lead first through prayer,' said Msgr. Federico Britto, pastor of St. Cyprian Parish and administrator of St. Ignatius of Loyola in West Philadelphia. 'Our culture is one of prayer, which is very celebratory in our liturgies. And we are hoping that through prayer, we will be heard, and there will be transformation and resolution.'

Both Msgr. Britto and Father Thorne said that prayer is the natural starting point for eradicating racial inequality, since racism itself is a sin, as the U.S. bishops stated in their 2018 pastoral letter on the issue.

"Without addressing the moral root of the problem, external actions - such as protesting and reassessing historical figures - are incomplete and often without lasting effect, said Father Thorne."

A recent Catholic Philly article reported on spiritual aspects of the fight against racism.

To access the complete Catholic Philly report, please visit:

Catholic Philly: Black Catholic spirituality a force in fight against racism, say pastors (21 JUN 20)