Mass for the 40th Anniversary of “What We Have Seen and Heard,” Cincinnati

A Historic Pastoral Letter
On September 9, 1984, 10 Black bishops united to publish a pastoral letter titled What We Have Seen and Heard as a testament to the Black community. This letter emphasized that evangelization is both a call and a response, urging all Catholics to be both witnesses and preachers of the faith.

The Significance of September 9
The bishops chose the Feast of St. Peter Claver to release their letter. St. Peter Claver, who referred to himself as “the slave of the slaves forever,” is a patron saint of African Americans and enslaved peoples.

A Call to the Community
A community choir from various parishes will serve as ministers of music for the Mass. All are invited to attend with a special invitation for the Knights of St. Peter Claver and the St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr will celebrate Mass with Deacon Royce Winters serving as homilist.