By Catholic Philly Staff • Posted May 26, 2023

The Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing recently premiered a new film that emphasizes the destructive nature of the mortal sin of racism, our shared responsibility to combat that sin, and respect for every person. The film, which premiered in English and Spanish, highlights the mission and objectives of the Commission on Racial Healing.

Archbishop Pérez is encouraging Catholics throughout the five-county region to show continued respect and care for every person this Pentecost Sunday with a prayer for healing and peace in our city and country.

In a May 25 letter to priests and deacons of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in advance of the occasion of Pentecost, Archbishop Pérez said, “As the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire and led the disciplines to preach the Good News of Jesus at that first Pentecost, may that same Holy Spirit fire us up to be Missionary Disciples of healing and hope.”

The special intention below has been provided to parishes throughout the Archdiocese to be included in the Universal Prayer during Mass this weekend.

Ongoing Prayer for Healing and Peace for our City and Country:

For the eradication of all forms of racism among all peoples and that all will open wide their hearts with the love of God and neighbor so that healing and peace will mark our way of life. Let us pray to the Lord/Lord, hear our prayer.

Por la erradicación de todas las formas de racismo entre todos los pueblos y que todos abran sus corazones con el amor de Dios y del prójimo para que la sanación interior y la paz marquen nuestro estilo de vida. Roguemos al Señor/Te rogamos óyenos.

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Archbishop Pérez launched the Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing in 2021. The Commission is composed of 18 people and represents the diversity of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by race, age, gender, and language. The Commission is mostly lay faithful from city and suburban parishes.

For more information about the Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing, please contact Reverend Stephen D. Thorne by email at frsthorne@gmail.com or by telephone at (215) 815-9337