The LMU community is invited to watch the vespers in the African American tradition with Kim Harris presiding and a lecture from Diana Hayes, emerita professor of systematic theology at Georgetown University, titled “Strong Women Keep A-Coming: The Perseverance of Black Women.”
Harris said it’s important to recognize Black history and its significance in the Catholic Church. “When you review the history of Black Catholics in America, we helped to build this church,” said Harris. “This is our church, some of us were Catholic before we even arrived slave or free and we’re not going anywhere.”
Harris is proud of her Black Catholic experience but also says the Catholic Church has work to do to make African Americans feel more welcomed and truly a part of the community. “Not one African American has ever been canonized a saint. We have six African American ‘saints in waiting’ but not one has been so honored by the Church,” said Harris. She said if that were to happen, it would be hugely significant for African Americans today. “It would mean the holiness that they lived is recognized and they would be lifted up. When people don’t see anyone like them in leadership or canonized it simply feels different.”
In addition, Harris also would like to see a greater number of parish liturgical events that are rooted in Black experiences, similar to what took place at the vespers on LMU’s campus. “I hope people will watch our gathering because we will celebrate the Black Catholic experience and hear the incredible nationally known scholar Dr. Diana Hayes,” said Harris. “Great music was a major part of the experience.”