Written by Peter G. Sánchez
A day of “unity and inclusiveness,” in the words of James Andrews, director of the Camden Diocesan Office for Black Catholic Ministry, took place in Sicklerville on Feb. 18, as Saint Charles Borromeo Church celebrated Black History Month with a Eucharistic Celebration.
The afternoon liturgy was led by retired priest Msgr. Leonard Scott, the first black priest elevated to the rank of monsignor in the Diocese of Camden, and the second named in the United States.
From the Diocese of Montgomery, Alabama, Father Manuel B. Williams provided the day’s homily, reflecting on the Gospel reading of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. In their personal impulses from Satan, he said, God is always with his people.
Over 200 from South Jersey, of all backgrounds, gathered for the celebration, and none was more pleased with this fact than Andrews.
“In this time of difficulty in this country, it’s great to see blacks, whites, and Latinos coming together in the spirit.