Today we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day set aside to honor the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and to recommit ourselves to the values he so courageously championed.
As Catholics, it is particularly meaningful that we honor Dr. King despite the fact that he was not Catholic. He was, in fact, a Baptist minister. Yet we do not focus on our differences; instead, we recognize that he lived his life in a way that powerfully reflected the principles at the heart of Catholic Social Teaching; especially human dignity, solidarity, nonviolence, and a preferential option for the poor.
In recognition of this, the Archdiocese of Detroit is offering Mass today in gratitude for the life, work, and example of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with Archbishop Weisenburger as the celebrant. For more on the Mass: https://www.aod.org/events/holy-mass-for-justice-and-peace-in-gratitude-for-the-life-work-and-example-of-reverend-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-3
In describing the Mass, the Archdiocese notes:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while a prominent civil rights leader, championed values that closely align with the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), such as human dignity, solidarity, and preferential option for the poor. His mission for equality, nonviolence, and economic justice reflected provides a powerful model for the faithful. King’s legacy, therefore, serves as an inspiration for Catholics to live out their faith by combating injustice and working for a more compassionate society.
At St. Isidore, the parish is honoring Dr. King’s legacy through service. Our Discipleship Formation Families have stepped forward to dedicate this day (and tomorrow evening) to acts of service. Families are on campus cleaning, sorting, and offering their time and talents in service to the Church.
Whether you choose to join the Archdiocese for Mass or offer your time and talents in service, I encourage you to reflect on the legacy of this remarkable, nonviolent leader and all that his life embodied. It is a legacy worth honoring and one that continues to call each of us to action.
