February 3, 2001
Dear Sisters and
Brothers:
Blessed
Assurance!
It is a joy for
me to greet you on the occasion of Black History Month 2001 and on the eve of
the National Day of Prayer for the African American Family.
Throughout this
great month of our history, it is my prayer that we will not only celebrate our
rich heritage, but renew our commitment to labor for life, justice and peace.
The African American community and the world need our witness.
As part of our
Black History Month activities, The National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life
is asking the Black community throughout this country to become vigilant
“Defenders of Life.”
Our Holy Father
Pope John Paul II has been outspoken throughout his papacy, challenging us to
defend life whenever and wherever it is threatened.
During Black History Month let us embrace this challenge of the Holy
Father and pray for life and defend the sacredness of life from the moment of
conception to its natural end. In
the words of Cardinal-designate Edward M. Egan, Archbishop of New York, “Each
person is called to ‘mighty deeds’ of prayer and many are led by God to
specific action in defense of life.”
In the days and weeks to come, may we be found working against the
violence that threatens life. May
we also ensure that every means necessary to preserve and enhance human life are
available to all.
Hush,
somebody’s calling my name to defend life and it sounds so much like Jesus.
Mary, Mother of
Life, intercede for us.
With gratitude to
God and the Mother of God,
Father James E.
Goode, OFM