St. Martin de Porres Church in North Philadelphia concluded the celebration of Black History Month in the United States with a Mass Saturday, Feb. 26. Father Anthony Bozeman, S.S.J., a priest ordained in the Philadelphia Archdiocese and now serving with the Josephite Fathers as pastor of a historically Black Catholic parish in Los Angeles, was the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass. He preached on the theme of “Spirituality, Education and Activism.”
The Mass also featured music by the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir under the direction of Tonya Taylor-Dorsey, and the participation of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary. The archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics, under its director, James Andrews, sponsored the Mass — learn more about the office here. (Photos by William T. Bradley)
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver, an association of Black Catholics, enters St. Martin de Porres Church at the start of Mass.
Father Anthony Bozeman preaches the homily at the Feb. 26 Mass.
Members of the congregation raise their hearts in praise during the Mass.
Soloist Gwen Jackson leads the praise by singing a rousing sacred song.
James Andrews, director of the Office for Black Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver pose for a photo after Mass at St. Martin de Porres Church.
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