RALEIGH – The Diocese of Raleigh observed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 20 at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, who is archbishop emeritus of Louisville, joined Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama, clergy, choir members, altar servers and the congregation to celebrate Mass at noon.
Archbishop Kurtz shared a homily that recalled history and celebrated the gift of human dignity. He spoke about the enduring spirit of King’s life of faith, leadership and activism for civil rights.
“May we together be true to the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. and most especially the grace of Jesus Christ,” he said.
The archbishop spoke about visiting Birmingham, Alabama 12 years ago for a symposium. That event, he said, honored the anniversary of King’s famous 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail, in which he “chastised … the religious leaders of his day because of their inaction, their refusal to stand up and speak out for justice,” the archbishop said.
Archbishop Kurtz said that by being present, those at Mass were preparing themselves to stand up and speak out for those who experience racial injustice and injustice of all kinds.
“Although much progress has been made, not enough had occurred,” Archbishop Kurtz said. “Sacred scripture … tells us that the old person has been in the past. The old person that thinks only of themselves … with Christ we are new people. We have a new nature, and this new nature allows us to consider not just ourselves … but rather the gift of others and how we can help them by, again, standing up and speaking out.”
The cathedral’s spiritual choir, directed by Harry Taylor, shared hymns, including For Every Mountain and We Shall Overcome.
In his remarks, Bishop Luis thanked those present, including Archbishop Kurtz, who offered the homily. “The way that you speak to us about our dignity is something that we always need to remember,” Bishop Luis said.
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