Introduction to Prayer Resources in Observance of the Modern Civil Rights Era

If our ancestors could speak to us, certainly they would reveal how prayer sustained them, how “God made a way out of no way.”  They would testify that God was their constant companion.  How else could they have survived the dark days of slavery, segregation, mob violence, unexplained disappearances, peonage, police brutality, degradation and humiliation so that the seed of their loins and the fruit of their womb could be born?

If our Catholic ancestors could converse with us, they would let us know how the prayers of the Church spoke to their hearts through the Mass, the Lord’s Prayer, the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross and other forms of spiritual incense.  As we reflect on where we have come and how we have made it through the Modern Civil Rights era to the present; as we ponder how our people will survive the challenges of this day, let us continue the tradition of walking intimately with our God, the Blessed Mother and the saints in heaven.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says of prayer (CCC#2745):

“Prayer and the Christian life are inseparable, for they concern the same love and the same renunciation, proceeding from love; the same filial and loving
conformity with the Father’s plan of love; the same transforming union in the Holy Spirit who conforms us more and more to Christ Jesus; the same love for
all men, the love with which Jesus has loved us. ‘Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he [will] give it to you. This I command you, to love one another.’

He ‘prays without ceasing’ who unites prayer to works and good works to prayer.  Only in this way can we consider as realizable the principle of praying without ceasing.” 

Bishop Braxton's Pastoral Letter for the World Day of Peace 2015 Study Guide - "The Racial Divide in the United States: A Reflection for the World Day of Peace 2015" Study Guide is intended to encourage discussion and highlight significant ideas from the letter. The guide can be used by groups or individuals and is subdivided into six parts to give the reader the option of a multiple week study.

This Stations of the Cross emphasizing social justice invites us to meditate on the Lord’s passion with particular concern for those suffering today.

The rosary is a great way to pray and this Black Catholic History Rosary highlights several religious men and women, Civil Rights era milestones, historic documents and Black Catholic organizations.

God of the Journey - 50th Anniversary Prayer in remembrance of the Selma to Montgomery March

Catholic Social Teaching Rights and Responsibilities  -  Learn more about the Catholic tradition which teaches that human rights must be protected and responsibilities must be met to protect human dignity and achieve a healthy community.

Life and Dignity of the Human Person - Information on the Catholic teaching that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.

Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself - This is a re-release of several articles from bishops articulating the perspectives of different cultural groups, addressing racism as a whole and providing suggestions to combat racism.

Response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail - Christian Churches Together released a response to Martin Luther King Jr's Letter from Birmingham Jail on the 50th anniversary of the letter. Other documents include a preface from the Catholic perspective and introductory letter.

What We Have Seen and Heard - This historic document was written in 1984 by ten black bishops as a witness to the black community.