June 1, 2005
Cardinal Rigali to Lead Prayers Against Violence Among City Youth
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will lead a prayer service and procession for peace in Northwest Philadelphia. The 13th annual service commemorates the witness of Catholics martyred in Uganda.
Friday, June 3, 2005
7:00 p.m.
Saint Francis of Assisi Church
Greene and Logan Streets
Philadelphia
Candlelight procession through community to follow
The prayer service, organized by the black Catholic deacons for parishes in the Germantown/Northwest Philadelphia area, is one of approximately 400 Safe Night Philadelphia events held June 3 that will focus on the issue of violence and young people in the city. The School District of Philadelphia sponsors the event that aims to engage numerous youths in anti-violence workshops and activities throughout the city.
June 3 is the feast day of St. Charles Lwanga and 22 companions who were martyred for refusing to renounce their Catholic faith in 1886. The martyrs were canonized saints in 1964. From a country of approximately 200 Catholics at their time of their death, Uganda now has some three million Catholics. The martyrs stand today as witnesses of people who transformed violence into peace through prayer.
Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747