Posted January 24, 2022

At the 22nd annual archdiocesan commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 17 at the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia’s Germantown section, Archbishop Nelson Perez was joined for prayer, song and reflection by interfaith leaders and numerous people of goodwill to reflect on the slain civil rights leader’s work and words. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Deacon James Mahoney of St. Athanasius Parish in Philadelphia prays during the service.

  • Deacon Melvin Burton of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Philadelphia lifts his eyes and his heart in prayer.

  • Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell reflects on Dr. King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.”

  • Archbishop Perez spends a few moments with high school students who attended the service.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez greets Amir Qasim Rashad of United Muslim Masjid in South Philadelphia.

  • Attending the service were: (front, from left) Msgr. Federico Britto, pastor of St. Cyprian Parish, Philadelphia; Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell; Archbishop Nelson Perez; Amir Qasim Rashad; Father Addisalem Mekonnen, parochial administrator of St. Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia; (back, from left) Vincentian Father Timothy Lyons, director of the Miraculous Medal Shrine; Deacon Melvin Burton of St. Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia; Father Eric Banecker, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Philadelphia; and Deacon James Mahoney of St. Athanasius Parish, Philadelphia.