OPEN WIDE OUR HEARTS: THE ENDURING CALL TO LOVE
“But racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts.” – Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love
Resources
Pastoral Letter
In November 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a new pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.
In the letter, the bishops invite all people of faith to conversion. We are called to open our minds and hearts to Christās love for all people and to the experiences of those who have been harmed by the evil of racism.
Study Guide
Educational Resources for Combatting Racism
Responding to the Sins of Racism
Open Wide Our Hearts Video
USCCBāCRS Video on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Stations of the Cross: Overcoming Racism
Practical Steps For Eradicating Racism: An Invitation
News and Statements
Statement of Pope Francis
Statement of Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S.
Statement of Bishop Shelton Fabre
Statement of Texas Catholic Conference Of Bishops
Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen
Statement of U.S. Bishopsā President
Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities
September 9, Memorial of St. Peter Claver
āWe therefore advise [apostolic men] to look, as if into a mirror of apostolic virtue, at the life and works of st. Peter Claver, to whom we have lately added a crown of glory. Let them look at him who for fully forty years gave himself up to minister with the greatest constancy in his labors, to a most miserable assembly of moorish slavesā. Saint Pope Leo XIII, In Plurimis (Encyclical Letter on the Abolition of Slavery), no. 20
September 9th is the Memorial of St. Peter Claver, who ministered to enslaved Africans. St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest from Catalonia who served African slaves in Cartagena, Colombia for thirty-eight years. The Feast of St. Peter Claver is an occasion for heightened prayer and action to strive for peace in our communities. To learn more about St. Peter Claver and the resources the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed in connection with this celebration, see:
Questions or Comments?
Lauren Stadelman
Director for Pastoral Care & Hospital Ministry