{"title":"Addressing Racism","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"open-wide-our-hearts-the-enduring-call-to-love-9781601376060","title":"Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cinline\u003eIn\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eOpen Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, the Catholic bishops of the United States invite the reader to recognize the ways in which the evil of racism profoundly impacts the lives of many people in the United States. The pastoral letter reflects on the dignity of every human person and establishes the Church’s moral imperative to combat racism as a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003elife\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eissue.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe text draws lessons from current and historical experiences of several groups—including African Americans, Hispanics\/Latinos, and Native Americans—while acknowledging that many ethnic groups and nationalities have been and are still affected by different forms of racial discrimination and hatred.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cinline\u003e\u003cinline\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the pastoral letter, the US Catholic bishops acknowledge the history of racial crimes in the United States and ask forgiveness for the participation of leaders and members the Catholic Church in this sin and in enabling or perpetuating structures of injustice. The bishops call on fellow clergy and Catholics to help change racist attitudes and acts to conform to the moral order established by God, in which men and women of all races are honored as brothers and sisters. The bishops implore Catholics to work against racism and to support institutional policies and community relationships that will eliminate racial injustices and prejudices. Finally, they encourage collaboration with fellow Christians and members of other faiths to root out this societal evil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cinline\u003e\u003cinline\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis pastoral letter against racism is a call to action for priests, deacons, religious men and women, parish staff, theologians, educators and catechists, all the Catholic faithful. It asks the Body of Christ to give an ever more authentic witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ, grounded in the truth that men and women of all races reflect the goodness of God, in whose image all are made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere is a link to a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/files\/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf?v=1596593604\"\u003efree pdf version of Open Wide our Hearts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"USCCB","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":28490288955497,"sku":"7-606","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/7-606-2.jpg?v=1759286188"},{"product_id":"open-wide-our-hearts-prayer-card","title":"Open Wide Our Hearts Prayer Card","description":"\u003cspan\u003eHelp lay the foundation necessary for conversion and true Christian community with this prayer against racism. This prayer was the US Catholic bishops’ petition to Mary, Mother of the Church, in the concluding words of their Pastoral Letter Against Racism, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eOpen Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse this handy prayer card in your community as you seek God’s grace to overcome the sin of racism, its effects, and establish relationships based on each person’s inherent dignity as made in the image and likeness of God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImplore Mary’s intercession as a church community, in your weekly prayer group, before parish ministry gatherings, and in Catholic schools and universities. Use it to begin your individual and communal prayers for God’s grace to build a kingdom of love among God’s children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBegin your work with this prayer and finish with the Holy Spirit’s plan for you and your community! \u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"USCCB","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":28575713853545,"sku":"7-626","price":0.3,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/7-626-2.jpg?v=1561691428"},{"product_id":"pope-francis-migrants-and-refugees","title":"Pope Francis Migrants and Refugees","description":"\u003cinline\u003eIn\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eMigrants and Refugees: Witnesses to Hope\u003c\/i\u003e, Pope Francis looks at the pressing witness needed in response to the growing occurrence of human migration.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollow along with Fr. Michael Czerny, SJ, undersecretary for migrants and refugees at the Vatican, as he introduces Pope Francis’s words, which include the pope’s annual messages on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees and key homilies.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThen, take a dynamic look at the political, economic, humanitarian, and social needs that arise in connection with migration. Consider, alongside the pope, the response required to the experience of men, women, and children who have risked everything to move to another country as well as the needs of communities that welcome new migrants.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMigrants and Refugees: Witnesses to Hope\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewill give strength, encouragement, and conviction to those who have a heart for migrants and refugees and for the communities who receive them. It will prove a great resource for community leaders, church leaders, lay Catholics, parishioners, families, and all affected by or concerned about the effects of migration on peoples\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMigrants and Refugees: Witnesses to Hope\u003c\/em\u003e, Pope Francis looks at the pressing witness needed in response to the growing occurrence of human migration.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFollow along with Fr. Michael Czerny, SJ, undersecretary for migrants and refugees at the Vatican, as he introduces Pope Francis’s words, which include the pope’s annual messages on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees and key homilies.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThen, take a dynamic look at the political, economic, humanitarian, and social needs that arise in connection with migration. Consider, alongside the pope, the response required to the experience of men, women, and children who have risked everything to move to another country as well as the needs of communities that welcome new migrants.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMigrants and Refugees: Witnesses to Hope\u003c\/em\u003e will give strength, encouragement, and conviction to those who have a heart for migrants and refugees and for the communities who receive them. It will prove a great resource for community leaders, church leaders, lay Catholics, parishioners, families, and all affected by or concerned about the effects of migration on peoples.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"USCCB","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":28576468729961,"sku":"7-609","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/7-609-1.jpg?v=1561665064"},{"product_id":"abramos-nuestros-corazones-el-incesante-llamado-al-amor-open-wide-our-hearts-the-enduring-call-to-love","title":"Abramos Nuestros Corazones: El Incesante Llamado Al Amor (Open Wide Our Hearts: the Enduring Call to Love)","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cinline\u003eIn\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eOpen Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, the Catholic bishops of the United States invite the reader to recognize the ways in which the evil of racism profoundly impacts the lives of many people in the United States. The pastoral letter reflects on the dignity of every human person and establishes the Church’s moral imperative to combat racism as a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003elife\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eissue.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe text draws lessons from current and historical experiences of several groups—including African Americans, Hispanics\/Latinos, and Native Americans—while acknowledging that many ethnic groups and nationalities have been and are still affected by different forms of racial discrimination and hatred.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cinline\u003e\u003cinline\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the pastoral letter, the US Catholic bishops acknowledge the history of racial crimes in the United States and ask forgiveness for the participation of leaders and members the Catholic Church in this sin and in enabling or perpetuating structures of injustice. The bishops call on fellow clergy and Catholics to help change racist attitudes and acts to conform to the moral order established by God, in which men and women of all races are honored as brothers and sisters. The bishops implore Catholics to work against racism and to support institutional policies and community relationships that will eliminate racial injustices and prejudices. Finally, they encourage collaboration with fellow Christians and members of other faiths to root out this societal evil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cinline\u003e\u003cinline\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis pastoral letter against racism is a call to action for priests, deacons, religious men and women, parish staff, theologians, educators and catechists, all the Catholic faithful. It asks the Body of Christ to give an ever more authentic witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ, grounded in the truth that men and women of all races reflect the goodness of God, in whose image all are made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/inline\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"USCCB","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30178743844969,"sku":"7-915","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/7-915-2.jpg?v=1569210846"},{"product_id":"everyone-belongs-0829448926-9780829448924","title":"Everyone Belongs","description":"\u003cp\u003eInspired by the USCCB’s statement “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,”\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eEveryone Belongs\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eempowers young readers to reflect on the reality of racism in our society, to see it through the lens of history and faith, and act towards respect, understanding, and friendship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this fully illustrated book for children ages 5-12, Ray Ikanga is a young boy whose family fled violence in their home country to come to the United States as refugees. The family moves into a new neighborhood and Ray begins making new friends. His excitement is interrupted, however, when someone spray paints a hurtful message on their garage: “Go home!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEveryone Belongs\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a book about recognizing the value of our differences, respecting each other, and forgiveness. ​\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrintable activity sheets to accompany \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eEveryone Belongs\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are available for kindergarten and grades 1 through 5. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.loyolapress.com\/~\/media\/Images\/Loyola%20Press\/Products\/EveryoneBelongsActivities_Intro-Gr5.ashx?la=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eClick here to download.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Loyola Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32033173078121,"sku":"0829448926","price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/48924-everyone-belongs-750.jpg?v=1759288653"},{"product_id":"reading-praying-living-the-us-bishops-open-wide-our-hearts-a-faith-formation-guide-0814665012-9780814665015","title":"Reading, Praying, Living the Us Bishops' Open Wide Our Hearts: A Faith Formation Guide","description":"\u003cspan\u003eIn 2018, for the first time in nearly forty years, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published a pastoral letter against racism. Open Wide Our Hearts is a call to a humble and expansive love that respects human dignity and unites us all in Christ. Now, in Reading, Praying, LivingThe US Bishops' Open Wide Our Hearts, Alison Benders offers a resource designed to help parishes, RCIA programs, campus ministries, and Catholic readers unpack and grapple with this important document. Benders provides background on the social doctrine that grounds the document, describes why it's so timely, and offers a plan for studying the letter, personally or as a group. In an engaging and accessible way, she walks readers through the scriptural, theological, and moral guidance needed to form our consciences and convert our hearts. And because the work of racial healing is a journey, not an event, each section of the guide also includes questions for personal reflection and attentive discussion and prayers for spiritual renewal or reconciliation.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Liturgical Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32661012775017,"sku":"0814665012","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/9780814665015_l.jpg?v=1595386830"},{"product_id":"the-church-and-the-racial-divide-reflections-of-an-african-american-catholic-bishop-1626984069-9781626984066","title":"The Church and the Racial Divide: Reflections of an African American Catholic Bishop","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfter the shooting death of Michael Brown by a white police officer in nearby Ferguson, Missouri, Bishop Braxton of the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois, issued his first major pastoral statement on the racial divide in America. This timely and though-provoking volume opens with that statement, and concludes five years later with Bishop Braton's reflection on the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. These events, five years apart, are the bookends on an ongoing effort to contend with the persistent racial divide and its meaning for the nation and the Catholic Church in America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Church and the Racial Divide \u003c\/em\u003ealso reveals the ongoing journey—and the gradual personal awakening—of an African American Catholic theologian and bishop in response to the challenge posed by resistance to the reality that “Black Lives Matter.” In his addresses, essays, and pastoral letters, Bishop Braxton invites a dialogue for healing in the church and the nation, urging readers to acknowledge difficult truths with openness to the Holy Spirit’s call to conversion, justice, and reconciliation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdward K. Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D.,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eis Bishop Emeritus of Belleville, IL. A former member of the faculties of theology at Harvard Divinity School, University of Notre Dame, and The Catholic University of America, he was invited by Cardinal Peter Turkson to participate in the international conference that marked the 50\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eanniversary of Pope Paul IV’s encyclical\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePopulorum Progressio\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e(On the Development of Peoples). Bishop Braxton is author of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Wisdom Community\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(Paulist Press) and\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Faith Community\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(Ave Maria Press).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orbis Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33136648716393,"sku":"1626984069","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/braxton-church_racial_divide-fc.jpg?v=1613879097"},{"product_id":"black-catholics-on-the-road-to-sainthood-1681927926-9781681927923","title":"Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Church in the United States is greatly blessed by the contributions of Black Catholics and the legacy of holiness of so many men and women of color. These men and women lived lives that are worthy of our study and emulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eBlack Catholics on the Road to Sainthood,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMichael R. Heinlein provides the first book to explore the lives of the six Black Catholics from the United States whose causes are under formal consideration by the Catholic Church for canonization. Including biographies and personal reflections from diverse contributors, this book shows how these six men and women provide a model of holiness for all Catholics and people of good will. Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, Servant of God Mother Mary Lange, Servant of God Julia Greeley, and Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman are sources of inspiration for us all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we continue to pray for the advancement of their causes for canonization, all Catholics of every race can learn a great deal from these holy men and women. By their stories of faith and virtue, they show us how to respond to the call to holiness, bringing healing, reconciliation, and peace to our wounded nation and world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“It is my profound honor to add my voice in support of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlack Catholics on the Road to Sainthood\u003c\/em\u003e. This book gives an insightful look at the Black Americans that are on the path to canonized sainthood in the Catholic Church. The book introduces readers to six Black Americans who dealt in their lifetimes with the human denigration and suffering that is manifested by America’s Original Sin of racism. Yet they not only persevered, but truly lived as Christian people, which so many Americans claim to be, but whose actions do not support that claim. These Black Americans sought to show love, compassion, and forgiveness to all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or station in life. All of the men and women you will meet in Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood — through their faith in God and by giving of themselves to God’s people, their sisters and brothers — did what Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman said: ‘we must return love, no matter what.’ These men and women show us the way forward.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Reverend Roy E. Campbell, Jr.,\u003cbr\u003eAuxiliary Bishop of Washington, President of the National Black Catholic Congress\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eBlack Catholics on the Road to Sainthood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis an inspiring look at six holy Black men and women who mirrored Christ in service to others. All of them persevered, despite the many rejections they encountered, giving Black Catholics today the inspiration to meet the obstacles of racial inequity with equal grace and love, and providing insight to all Catholics, regardless of race, into the effects of systemic racism and the many gifts and talents people of color bring to the Church. The accompanying reflections, written by Catholic laity and religious, provide deeper insight into the lives of the six candidates for Canonization, and how best we can learn from them and emulate their examples in our own lives.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe National Black Catholic Congress\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eBlack Catholics on the Road to Sainthood\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a great expose on the lives and faith of some of our Black ancestors who responded with both prayer and action to overcome racism. Discovering through this book their life stories, their suffering, and their faith-filled response, one is inspired to seek the conversion of hearts with regard to racism through prayer and action so that we too can aspire to be saints by the manner in which we love one another.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Reverend Shelton J. Fabre,\u003cbr\u003eDiocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eBlack Catholics on the Road to Sainthood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eprovides a glimpse into the power of God’s grace at work in the lives of men and women who were often treated with disdain. The Archdiocese of Denver has been blessed by the heroic, charitable witness of Julia Greeley on our streets, in our churches, and in our homes. This book extends that blessing to all who are seeking additional examples of courage, perseverance, and determination. As our country and Church work to address racism, may we turn to these holy men and women for their example and intercession.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Reverend Samuel J. Aquila,\u003cbr\u003eArchbishop of Denver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Michael Heinlein performs a great service in bringing together engaging reflections on and portraits of Black Catholics who are on the road to sainthood. Their stories differ but they have at least one thing in common: They rose above the racism of their day to the heights of holiness. From their place in eternity, they challenge us to root out racism from our midst. This volume should prompt us to pray and work for the canonization of these worthy witnesses to the Lord’s truth and love.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Reverend William E. Lori\u003cbr\u003eArchdiocese of Baltimore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The last three Bishops of Rome have called Christ’s Church to a New Evangelization, a renewal of the mandate given at Pentecost: to carry on the mission of the Redeemer. Heinlein’s book offers us a glimpse of a central theme of our renewal — personal witness, the heart of it seen in the cloud of witness of these holy ones. These men and women of color lived their faith life and became living gospels of the Gift: the Passion of the Cross, seen in the evil of racism; the Liberation of the Resurrection, recognized in the courage of the prophets; and the songs of the Kingdom, heard and shared in the joy of the Spirit. They call us to witness.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Reverend David P. Talley,\u003cbr\u003eBishop of Memphis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ was Nathaniel’s response in John’s gospel to Philip’s invitation to meet Jesus. Philip’s words in reply echo down the centuries: ‘Come and see’ (John 1:45–46). Within this book is a cohort of six awe-inspiring disciples who encountered the Lord and proved that, when grasped by Jesus Christ, God can raise up goodness from anywhere. As former slaves and descendants of chattel slavery, they bore fruit a hundred-fold in their time and place and bequeathed to the Church a lasting legacy. I invite all who yearn for racial justice and peace to come and see in this book six black women and men who show us the path to life in this world as they continue on the road to sainthood.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Reverend Joseph Kopacz,\u003cbr\u003eBishop of Jackson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eBlack Catholics on the Road to Sainthood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003egives us an opportunity to become better acquainted with six black women and men from the United States and to be inspired by their lives of faith. As we strive for holiness, we are given the privilege to learn more about their journey to canonization and to participate in their process.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Reverend Gregory M. Aymond,\u003cbr\u003eArchbishop of New Orleans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eBlack Catholics on the Road to Sainthood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis essential reading for all Catholics, particularly at this time in our country’s history. There is a common thread in the stories of these six holy men and women: a strong faith, love for others, and personal sacrifice. I appreciate OSV raising awareness of the lives of these candidates for sainthood. It is my hope that reading about their lives and struggles will inspire not just devotion but others to follow in their footsteps. The world desperately needs models of holiness and virtue like the ones contained in this short volume. May their testimony of faith help us bring healing and reconciliation to a divided world and inspire us to respond to our own call to holiness.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Reverend Nelson J. Pérez,\u003cbr\u003eArchbishop of Philadelphia, chairman USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Our Sunday Visitor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33136681582697,"sku":"1681927926","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/T2663_300.gif?v=1613882921"},{"product_id":"thea-bowman-in-my-own-words-0764826239-9780764826238","title":"Thea Bowman: In My Own Words","description":"\u003cp\u003eSister Thea Bowman spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as only an African American born in 1937 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, could. Throughout her adult life, she embraced Catholicism and religious life and never abandoned the beautiful gift of her \"blackness.\" It was her life's mission to share her rich cultural heritage and spirituality in song, prayer, teaching, and preaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a child, Thea Bowman converted to Catholicism, and as an adult chose a life as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. As a black religious sister in a predominantly white world, Sister Thea was able to cross cultural boundaries and share her cultural and spiritual gifts while learning and uplifting the cultural gifts of others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book joyfully expounds the thoughts, memories, and reflections of this devoted Franciscan woman, a proud maiden of Mississippi, a prophetic preacher, and a tenacious teacher. Fourteen chapters include her insightful reflections on The Wisdom of the \"Old Folks,\" The Giftedness of Children, On Being Black and Catholic, and The Power of Prayer. 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Her story is intertwined with the disparities and injustices experienced by African Americans in Mississippi. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough the efforts of the missionary sisters, brothers, and priests who served in Canton, Mississippi, Sister Thea and other African American children in her community were able to obtain an education and experience the love, generosity, faith, and commitment to social justice of those who ministered in the African American church. During her time in school, she felt called to enter religious life. She chose to join the order of the sisters who staffed her school. Sister Thea was the only black sister in her order.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSister Thea made unique contributions to the Catholic Church. In November, 2018, her cause for sainthood is expected to be approved by the U.S. bishops. Her story is unique and one that needs to be told. 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Thoroughly researched and poignantly presented, this is an informative read for teenagers and young adults, with appeal also for any age adult readers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Paulist Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39464221573225,"sku":"0809167921","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0408\/9389\/products\/6792-0.jpg?v=1759292009"},{"product_id":"thea-bowman-faithful-and-free-0814646085-9780814646083","title":"Thea Bowman: Faithful and Free","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNutt, Maurice J\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith every passing year since her death in 1990, more people are recognizing Sister Thea Bowman as one of the most inspiring figures in American Catholic history. This granddaughter of slaves became Catholic on her own initiative at the age of nine. 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