GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Catholics in the Diocese of Grand Rapids will hold a day of prayer and fasting in support of racial justice.
In the midst of the ongoing racial unrest in the United States, Catholics will unite to pray for the collective healing as the church continues to work for peace and racial justice.
Bishop David J. Walkowiak has called on Catholics to pray and fast on Wednesday, Sept. 9 in an effort to eradicate racism and peacefully seek racial justice in the country, according to a news release.
At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the bishop will hold Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon Blvd. SE in Grand Rapids. Guidelines for COVID-19 will be in effect for those who attend in-person.
Mass will also be live streamed at grdiocese.org and the Diocese of Grand Rapids Facebook page.
This particular date was chosen in honor of the feast of St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit missionary who dedicated his life to the aid of enslaved Africans in South America in the 17th century. He is the patron saint of African missions, African Americans, slavery and interracial justice.
Walkowiak encourages Catholics of the diocese to read the bishop’s pastoral letter against racism titled “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.” The bishop also suggests praying the rosary or attending Mass, fasting and to learn more about the life of St. Peter Claver.
George Floyd’s death in May sparked protests in Grand Rapids and across the country against racism and police brutality. Floyd, a Black man, died on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer continued to kneel on his neck for nearly nine minutes while he pleaded that he could not breathe.
The death of Grand Rapids native Breonna Taylor in Kentucky also has become a national symbol in a movement against police brutality and racism. Taylor, 26, was fatally shot by Louisville police on March 13 following a “no-knock” warrant at her residence.
More on MLive:
President Donald Trump holding Saginaw County airport rally Thursday
Flint man wins $2,500 a week for life, says he can finally buy ‘fun toys’ he’s always wanted
EPA fines Michigan injection well owner $73K for ‘significant’ violations