Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On Monday, January 20, Americans throughout the country will commemorate the enduring legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"This is a moment to see each other as one family united in humanity, just as God sees us. We recognize suffering in our family stemming from the mortal sin of racism, and we are called to respond as instruments of peace and healing."

The work of combatting racism follows Christ’s commandment to love one another as He loves us. "Dr. King’s faith in Jesus empowered him with the wisdom to speak out against injustice and the courage to fight against it."

"We ask God to open wide our hearts, to strengthen our hands to work for justice, and to heal our nation’s deep wounds."

"May Dr. King’s life inspire and challenge us to follow his example zealously in the spirit of Missionary Discipleship. May God bless our efforts to drive out sin by spreading the love of Christ!"

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.

Archbishop of Philadelphia