After weeks of anguish over COVID-19 and systemic racism, some 200 Philadelphia faithful joined in a June 7 “Rosary Walk for Peace and Healing.”

From the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, the two-hour procession wound through Center City, with stops at sites significant in African American history.

Archbishop Nelson Perez, Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop Edward Deliman accompanied participants, as did members of the Philadelphia Police Department.

The gathering was organized by David Sao of the Culture Project, a Wynnewood-based young adult ministry, who said current crises were a time to seek Mary’s intercession in bringing all people to her Son, “who is just love and mercy.”