Black Catholic spirituality a force in fight against racism, say pastors

By Gina Christian

Catholic News Service

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Two Black Catholic pastors in Philadelphia say their parishes are drawing strength from the Eucharist, prayer and a rich spiritual heritage in the fight against racism.

“St. Katharine Drexel used to say, ‘We go in to go out,'” said Father Stephen Thorne, pastor of St. Martin de Porres in North Philadelphia. “What she meant was that (our time with) the Blessed Sacrament gives us the energy to go forth and do justice.”