Photos

Our Lady of Africa celebrates Black History Month

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Perry was the main celebrant and homilist for a Mass in celebration of Black History Month at Our Lady of Africa Parish, 615 E. Oakwood Blvd., on Feb. 12, 2023. The parish’s choir sang the Mass of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, in honor of the impactful life, legacy and cause for canonization of Bowman, who was a Black Catholic religious sister, teacher, musician, liturgist and scholar. She made major contributions to the ministry of the Catholic Church for African Americans. The Mass captures her warm and inviting spirit and her love for music, employing rhythms, chords, and other elements commonly found in African American sacred music. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The Ladies of Peter Claver process in. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The Knights of Columbus raise their swords when Divine Word Father Robert Kelly, pastor, and Divine Word Father Carl Gales, associate pastor, process into church for the Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Perry begins Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A boy proclaims a reading during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Perry accepts the gifts from parishioners. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Ivan Lazcano incenses the congregation. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Katherine Shaw prays during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners pray the Our Father during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners share the sign of peace during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Carl Gales, associate pastor, gives a blessing during Communion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Children process back after receiving a blessing during Communion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners pray during the final song. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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