Ugandan Martyrs prayer service draws welcoming, energized crowd
Guest Columnist
Father Stephen D. Thorne
The Catholic churches in the Northwest section of the city of Philadelphia (St. Benedict, St. Francis of Assisi, Immaculate Conception, St. Theresa, St. Raymond) celebrated the 16th annual prayer service in honor of the Martyrs of Uganda on June 3. The service was conducted by the African-American deacons of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The host parish was Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Germantown.
The 2008 celebration of the feast of the Uganda Martyrs featured the lively movement of St. Benedict’s African Dancers, the melodic voices of Immaculate Conception’s parish choir under the leadership of Darin Williams, the inspirational preaching of Deacon Brouycie Isley, and a welcoming crowd of energized followers of Christ.
The night was highlighted by an award presented to Msgr. John O’Brien in appreciation of his support of the African-American deacons and wishing him God’s comfort and relaxation in his retirement.
In addition, a historical moment occurred as the African- American deacons presented their first scholarships to Victoria Mary Unachukwu of St. Benedict and Suzanne Garnett of Immaculate Conception. Each student will receive an award of $400, which will go to their schools in support of their Catholic education. The awards were granted in recognition of their service to their respective parishes and their academic prowess.
The intent of the scholarship was to grant four awards of $200 each to four students in the four quadrants of the city. Since seven applications were received from two parishes, the funding was divided among two deserving students. This is truly a historical event. The African-American deacons will continue to incorporate the awarding of these scholarships at each annual Martyrs of Uganda service.
The African-American deacons would like to thank the churches of Cluster 18, their pastors, parishioners, and all our Christian friends who supported this memorial and historical service.
Father Thorne is the director of the Office for Black Catholics and pastor of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Philadelphia.