Above: The Diocese of Raleigh welcomed seminarian Jaylen Abney (far left) and Father Kareem Smith (3rd from let), both from the Archdiocese of New York, for Mass on MLK Day. Also pictured: Deacon Michael Brown (2nd from left) of Holy Cross in Durham; Father Michael Burbeck (2nd from right), vicar general; Deacon Bernard Zdancewicz of St. John the Baptist in Roanoke Rapids; and Jennifer Jones (front), administrator of AAMEN & NAC.
RALEIGH, N.C. – Father Kareem Smith began the homily by singing “Steal away to Jesus,” a Black Gospel song, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral.
Some of those in the pews for Mass joined in, as the lyrics of the 1860s spiritual by Wallace Willis recalled bending green trees, trembling sinners, thunder and trumpet sounds.
“Brothers and sisters, each and every time we enter into the sacred work of worship, we’re given a unique opportunity to ‘steal away’ and remember our true identity … in the world that we live in it is easy for us to be so caught up with worldly events, we forget our true identities,” said Father Kareem, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and president of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus.
The priest went on to note that on the federal holiday people are called to pause not simply for a day off, but to pause as a nation and remember the past, present and future. As a Church, he said, those gathered were there to honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
King, he said, wasn’t simply a great American figure but a Christian disciple, a minister and a man who believed in the Gospel as not only words to hear in churches, but a way to live life.
The Mass, which is held annually, was organized by the Diocese of Raleigh’s African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization Network and presided by Father Michael Burbeck, vicar general of the diocese.
This year’s theme was “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.”
Prayers of the faithful, which were led by Deacon Michael Brown of Durham's Holy Cross Parish, included intentions for Pope Leo, Bishop Luis and all clergy. Congregants also prayed for the Church to foster unity, for the nation to be inspired by King’s vision and confront racism, for those who labor and for those who serve the poor and marginalized. They remembered those who died, including Dr. King.
Deacon Bernard Zdancewicz, of St. John the Baptist in Roanoke Rapids, served as deacon for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Doug and Bea Brown of St. Bernadette Parish in Fuquay Varina presented the gifts.
In the spirit of the National Day of Service, the event also included a diaper drive to benefit Catholic Charities. Volunteers assisted with that effort, and volunteers offered hospitality during Mass. Reader Wendy Edwards from St. Joseph Parish in Raleigh assisted during Mass, along with five altar servers.
“Scripture says clearly today, ‘God is not looking for our excuses. God is not looking for our substitutes. God is not looking for a sacrifice that comes from a divine heart. Obedience is better than sacrifice.’ This is why today we honor the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., not merely because he was inspiring. Not merely because he was eloquent. Not merely because he had courage, but because his witness was rooted in obedience to a call,” said Father Kareem.
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