GOODE-KWANZAA Dec-19-2000 (360 words) xxxn
Priest asks that Kwanzaa observances
reflect sacredness of life
By Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) -- The head of the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life
has urged that Kwanzaa observances between Christmas and New Year's Day reflect
the sacredness of life.
Franciscan Father Jim Goode, president of the New York-based apostolate, said in
a Dec. 19 release, ``As we gather together for Kwanzaa 2000, let us share our
rich heritage and the many gifts of harvest.
``Let us also remember during these days of Kwanzaa to pray'' for the sacredness
of life, he said.
Kwanzaa is a non-religious celebration of African-American history and culture,
focusing on community and family. The seven-day festival, first celebrated in
1966, begins Dec. 26 and ends Jan. 1.
The name ``Kwanzaa'' comes from a Swahili phrase meaning ``first fruits.'' Now
marked in the United States, Canada, England, the Caribbean and Africa, Kwanzaa
has roots in ancient African harvest celebrations.
In his ``Kwanzaa for Life'' statement, Father Goode asked that each value
celebrated during Kwanzaa ``bring us closer to God and closer to each other.''
Referring to Pope John Paul II's 1995 encyclical ``Evangelium Vitae'' (``The
Gospel of Life''), Father Goode said the Gospel of life must be brought ``to the
heart of every man and woman and make it penetrate every part of society.''
According to the pope, he said, the core of this Gospel is ``the proclamation of
a living God who is closer to us, who calls us to profound communion with
himself and awakens in us the certain hope of eternal life.''
Jesus has a unique relationship with every person because of this, he said
paraphrasing the pope, ``which enables us to see in every human face the face of
Christ.''
Father Goode also released a sample ``Kwanzaa for Life'' prayer which asks help
from Jesus ``to respect and defend the sacredness of all human life'' in the
areas of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility,
cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
The National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life was inaugurated in 1997 by the
National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, Franciscan Solid Ground Ministry and
Archdiocese of New York.
Copyright (c) 2000 Catholic News Service/U.S. Catholic Conference. The CNS news report is used with permission from CNS. Catholic News Service.