Black History Month - Celebrating God’s Goodness & Mercy

New York, NY – The first Sunday of February was designated, as the National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family by Fr. James E. Goode, OFM, Ph.D. - one of the dynamic leaders in The Office of Black Ministry. On February 6, The Archdiocese of New York celebrated Black History Month with a mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in honor of this designation with the theme of, “Celebrating God’s Goodness & Mercy.” The devotion started with an energetic congregation singing The Star Spangled Banner and The Black National Anthem. Priests and Deacons, some in ornate regalia and some in simple pastoral dress, preceded the local parish and international representatives to the altar. High rectangular banners with religious symbols hovered over the marchers. Senior citizens from Ethiopia kept a watchful eye on a group of restless, wide-eyed youngsters in pale blue or colorful ofo isi (Nigerian), duku (Ghanian) mou sor (Senagalese) or other –named, head wraps. The Principal Celebrant and Homilist of the Mass, The Most Reverent Charles G. Palmer-Buckle from Ghana, exuded dignity and piousness as he slowly marched in cadence with the accompaniment, under a giant umbrella with religious symbols, held aloft by some sacristans. In his towering white mitre, regal robes, and white beard, he was the focus of all eyes as he approached the altar. He later revealed his incredible sense of humor in his powerful homily Br. Tyrone A. Davis, C.F.C Executive Director of the Archdiocesan Office of Black Ministry, and organizer of the event, offered the closing messages of acknowledgement and Thanks, and reminded all present that the Mass also celebrated, “the women of our community and the Parish Community of St Joseph of the Holy Family in Harlem, celebrating their 150th Anniversary.”