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Catholics from the Archdiocese of Washington gathered at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy on January 19. Despite winter weather concerns, the annual Mass focused on faith, hope, and justice.
Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory led the Mass as principal celebrant and homilist. He highlighted the importance of love among diverse races and heritages: “Today, we pray as a nation made up of people of many races, languages and heritages, that we will understand how important it is to love one another.” The Howard University Bison Catholic Gospel Choir provided music for the service.
Concelebrants included Washington Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr., Father Robert Boxie III from Howard University, Father Philip Ilg from Holy Family Parish, and Josephite Father Anthony Bozeman. Attendees featured groups like the Knights of Columbus Color Guard and Sisters in the Spirit.
Rev. King's message aligns with Catholic teachings on dignity and nonviolence. The congregation honored his legacy through hymns like "We Shall Overcome." Cardinal Gregory's homily emphasized unity: “The dream of America can only be realized if we work together to respect and love each person.”
Reflecting on human nature, Cardinal Gregory noted a tendency toward conformity despite valuing individuality: “It’s strange...we seem to rebel at being forced to conform, but when we are free to choose, we seem to want to conform by our own selection.” He connected this observation with Jesus' teachings on freedom and difference.
Cardinal Gregory stressed embracing diversity: “Jesus tells us that we cannot simply choose to love those who are like us...God has fashioned us to be a special people filled with many different talents...” He called for respecting all individuals as part of realizing Rev. King's vision: “Dr. King understood that for our country to become great, we must learn to respect and love one another.”
Chriss Mable, a longtime parishioner at Holy Family Parish said Catholics embody Rev. King's teaching of love well: “Love. We do that well.” Jee’Von Pratt from Howard University noted youth's reluctance to conform stood out in Cardinal Gregory’s homily.
Pratt reflected on Rev. King's legacy: “As Catholics — and Christians of any denomination — we mustn’t allow our religious scruples to create divides among us.” Nicole Olea reported this story for the Catholic Standard.
