Speaking in Phoenix, Knights of Peter Claver Supreme Knight Christopher Pichon described King’s vision of a beloved community as a way of life. He discussed the work of the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver, noting the five pillars of social justice on which the organization focuses: eliminating racism, domestic violence and human trafficking, criminal justice reform and the dignity of Black lives. There are chapters of both organizations in the diocese as well as organizations devoted to these causes.
Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington, the nation’s first Black cardinal and the Church’s first African American cardinal, served as the guest homilist at an annual Mass at Xavier College Preparatory Catholic High School. “The secret to human greatness and to spiritual excellence is not to be found in marketing of an individual but in having a person live up to the highest spiritual qualities within himself or herself, living proudly according to the ‘content of
their character,’” he told attendees, referencing Rev. King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech.
Make time to reflect on spiritual values that matter to you and how you are living those out in daily life.