Denver Catholic

WORLD/NATION I 7 DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER I SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 ary Crowds urged to continue work of MLK BY ADELAIDE MENA WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNA/ EWTN News)—Thousands of people gathered in downtown Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s now-famous "I Have a Dream Speech." King's words remain with us today, said U.S. President Barack Obama, because they "belong to the ages, possessing a power and prophecy unmatched in our time." The hours-long event, titled "Let Freedom Ring," celebrated half a century since the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which took place on Aug. 28, 1963. The march was a pivotal point in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and was the backdrop for King's speech. St. John "America changed for you and minaryfor me," because of that march, are inObama said, pointing to sweepf Assisiing changes in the treatment of ere oneminorities in the United States pal andover the past five decades. He highlighted the work of both famous civil rights leaders and "those ordinary people whose names never appeared in the history books" but who responded to segregation and discrimination with peaceful action. Obama warned, however, that "we would dishonor those heroes as well to suggest that the work of this nation is somehow complete." He pointed to the economic difficulties that have plagued many Americans in recent years, along with other indications of social injustice, including higher unemployment levels within minority communities, inequality and lack of social mobility for lower classes, poorly performing schools, insufficient health care and violence. The "good news," he said, is that "just as was true in 1963, we now have a choice." As a nation, "we are not trapped by the mistakes of history," but can bring about the type of transformative change in the name of justice that "does not come from Washington but to Washington." This change, the president said, "has always been built on our willingness, we, the people, to take on the mantle of citizenship." Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington also spoke to commemorate the anniversary of the civil rights march, addressing participants at an interfaith prayer gathering. In addition, the cardinal penned an article in the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, recognizing the historic anniversary and calling upon the faithful to honor the legacy of civil rights leaders "by continuing their work." He noted that Archbishop Patrick O'Boyle, previous archbishop of Washington, had offered the invocation at the March on Washington in 1963, and led Catholics from across the diocese in the march. Cardinal Wuerl highlighted several areas in which Catholics today can continue the "legacy reflective of the commitment of King." Within the Church, he said that he has "witnessed King's vision of Americans praying and marching together for justice." "Each year at the March, Rallies and Masses for Life, hundreds of thousands of people from across the country gather to pray and then march together in defense of the dignity of human life in all its stages," he explained. The effort to realize justice in the United States "also takes the form of providing educational opportunities for all children, but particularly for those who would otherwise be consigned to schools too often designated as 'failing,'" the cardinal said. SLATTERY & COMPANY Additionally, the drive to spread the Gospel "is why Catholic Charities programs and Catholic hospitals continue to bring Christ's love and hope to those who need it," he said, adding that this also explains "why we must continue to stand for the dignity of human life, for religious freedom and for justice for immigrants." Robert F. Connor, Sr., Chairman • Robert F. Connor, Jr., President Providing Exceptional Service Since 1919 slatteryandcompany.com PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING Commercial, Residential / Prompt 24 hour service Emergency needs command our total commitment! 181 Vallejo Street 303-744-6311 National Leaders' & Ministries' Conference Sept. 13-15, 2013 Denver, Colorado YOU ARE INVITED If serving in your prayer group, parish, diocese or are seeking growth in the Spirit. YOUNG ADULT TRACK [SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATE] On-site registration available for single session, Saturday only or the weekend. Weekend rates: $89, $165 (couples). Principal speakers: Archbishop Samuel Aquila, Bishop Sam Jacobs, Tom Curran, Mother Lucy Lukasiewicz and Maria Vadia. YOUNG LEADERS' TRACK [35 AND UNDER] More information visit www.nsc-chariscenter.org or call 800-338-2445. AFTERNOON FOR PRIESTS, DEACONS AND SEMINARIANS [FRIDAY 1-4 PM] WYD Denver front 20th anniversary t-shirts are still available! Limited edition t-shirts marking Blessed John Paul II's historic visit to Denver for World Youth Day 1993 are available for $15 each. Parish groups receive a bulk discount on orders of 10 or more. Sizes: S, M, L, XL, and XXL back To order: call 303-715-3230 or email info@archden.org

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