In honor of Black History Month, the Office of Ministry to Catholics of African Descent (CAD) coordinated a Mass celebration on Feb. 22 at The Holy Name of Jesus parish in Redlands. The Celebrant was Father Canice O. Nwizu, Vicar Forane of the High Desert and Administrator of Christ the Good Shepherd in Adelanto. CAD’s director, Deacon David C. Okonkwo, served at the altar and gave the homily.
“As we come to the conclusion of Black History Month, let us, in this generation, not repeat the mistake of yesterday and make room for the black, brown, the marginalized, that God’s house may be complete,” Dcn. Okonkwo said. “God’s table is not complete until everyone has a space at this table. God’s house, it doesn’t matter where you are, will not be completed if everybody from the community is not at this table.”
Dcn. Okonkwo then encouraged the faithful to use their voices and positions to speak for the voiceless and reminded them of the teachings from Pope John Paul II on the gifts of black spirituality.
Following the Mass there was a reception in the hall that included a free lunch, refreshments and a live jazz band.