African-American Catholics to hold prayer service in response to racism and brutality

African-American Catholics will hold a prayer service in response to racism and brutality on Friday, August 12 at the Church of the Transfiguration at 2515 W. Martin Luther King Boulevard in South Los Angeles.

The service begins at 7 p.m. when a gathering of the faithful, Deacons, and Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver in the church parking lot (3rd Ave to Martin Luther King Blvd) will process into the church with the Blessed Sacrament, incense and candles.

Past Supreme Knight DeKarlos Blackmon will speak about the recent shootings of African-Americans by policemen that lead to the retaliatory shooting of policemen. A moment of silence will be observed as a black wreath is processed into the church by an Honor Guard in remembrance of those who were killed.

“The recent shootings were very disturbing and we are aiming to provide our community, during this Year of Mercy, a way to express their sorrow and grief through uniting prayer,” said Deacon Mark Race, Administrator of the Church of the Transfiguration.  

The African-Americans deacons of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will lead all in reflections on the shootings as they relate to African-Americans and the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.