Read

A Prayer for Racial Justice

Creator:
Published:
January 9, 2024
June 18, 2020
Read this Catholic prayer against racism.|Read this Catholic prayer against racism.

In the face of such a sweeping and complex issue such as systemic racism, it doesn’t take much to feel overwhelmed. It feels like such an urgent and important reality to change, but what can we actually do besides lend our solidarity by protesting together?

There are a number of ways to examine ourselves and our culture and to stand up to offer our voice for those on the margins. But even those actions can seem fleeting and insubstantial.

One important truth to remember is that, whatever your race, the work of dismantling racism happens just as much inside of us as it does outside of us. It requires motivations that are pure and true and that intend the good of others in love. In that regard, prayer is a powerful tool because it puts this action in the context of God’s work to renew the world. Trusting in God gives us persistence and strength, and it also keeps us humble and honest with ourselves.

This prayer for racial justice was written by Jo Cecilio, rector of a women’s hall at the University of Notre Dame. She shared it with more than 1,000 people at a campus prayer service and march on June 1, 2020. It moved many there — perhaps you’ll find it a valuable resource in our common struggle for racial justice.

God of mercy and compassion,

We come before you today in grief, in anger, in mourning over the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Philando Castille, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Sean Bell, Sandra Bland, George Floyd and the litany of names of men and women who have died at the hands of those charged to protect and serve. You know each one of them by name, and we know that each were wonderfully created in your own image and likeness. Their lives matter to you and to us, and so we ask you, God, to etch their memories forever on our hearts.

Lord, we are tired of the senseless acts of violence, the injustices, the oppression, the racism, and the ignored laments of black and brown communities. Hear us, Lord. Open the hearts, minds, and ears of all your children to hear and understand the cries of pain, of sadness, of trauma, and of immense loss.

Your Son, Jesus came to us that we “may have life, and have it abundantly.” May each of us be committed to sharing life and love in our world. May we speak truth to power. May we allow the Spirit to lead us to act for justice. Lord, we invite you to use us so that we might bring about a transformation in our world; a transformation that makes a beloved community real here on this earth.

Amen.

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
January 9, 2024
June 18, 2020
On a related note...
Was I Healed In a Miracle? Maybe

Was I Healed In a Miracle? Maybe

Jessica Mannen Kimmet

Should We Believe Kanye's Conversion Is Authentic?

Should We Believe Kanye's Conversion Is Authentic?

Emily Mae Mentock

How Baseball Teams Celebrate Mass During the Season

How Baseball Teams Celebrate Mass During the Season

Grotto Shares

4 Ways You Can Support the Immigrant Community

4 Ways You Can Support the Immigrant Community

Mary Cunningham

A World Not My Own

A World Not My Own

Kayla August

“A Great Guiding Light”

“A Great Guiding Light”

Nicole Stallworth

Feeling Empty? Here are 3 Ways to Fill Your Cup Again

Feeling Empty? Here are 3 Ways to Fill Your Cup Again

Veronica Szczygiel

What a Martyred Priest Can Teach Us About Advent This Year

What a Martyred Priest Can Teach Us About Advent This Year

Elizabeth Hansen

St. Thomas the Apostle Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. Thomas the Apostle Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

What It Means to Live Without Fear

What It Means to Live Without Fear

Josh Noem

Our Lady of Fátima Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Our Lady of Fátima Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Artist Uses Work to Spark Healing Conversations

Artist Uses Work to Spark Healing Conversations

Grotto

Inside the Life of a Monk

Inside the Life of a Monk

Grotto

Nervous for a Big Test? Say These Prayers

Nervous for a Big Test? Say These Prayers

Mary Ann Wilson

Grotto's Live Conversation from Rome

Grotto's Live Conversation from Rome

Grotto

Meet This Year's Global Teacher Prize Winner

Meet This Year's Global Teacher Prize Winner

Grotto Shares

7 Ideas for Almsgiving on a Budget

7 Ideas for Almsgiving on a Budget

Lillian Fallon

Walking with the Homeless in Denver | Little Ways: Engage

Walking with the Homeless in Denver | Little Ways: Engage

Grotto

An Inside Look at the Ancient Art of Iconography

An Inside Look at the Ancient Art of Iconography

Grotto

What is Ableism?

What is Ableism?

Jessica Ping-Wild

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.