On Saturday, January 15, we celebrated a special Mass to give thanks for the life and witness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and for the presence of African-American and African Catholics in the Archdiocese of Seattle.  During the prelude, the Swahili community of Holy Spirit Parish in Kent sang and danced.


Young people from around the Archdiocese carried icons of the saints of Africa in the entrance procession.


Archbishop Sartain incenses the altar at the beginning of Mass.  In his homily, Archbishop Sartain spoke of being in high school in Memphis when the news came of Dr. King's assassination.


Our own Stacey Sunde leads the assembly in a wonderful setting of the Gloria by Norah Duncan, IV, a noted African-American Catholic composer.


Transitional Deacon Dwight Lewis receives a blessing before the Gospel reading.


People from around the world proclaimed the General Intercessions.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s witness has led to greater equality for all people of color.


Deacon Joseph Connor incenses the assembly.


Members of the Archdiocesan Advisory Circle present the Archbishop with a beautiful handmade stole.


The stole features a symbol of unity from Ghana:  a broom.  Each straw is weak and fragile on its own.  But when they are bound together, they become strong.


The Festival Choir under the direction of Sherrill Mitchell sings "We shall overcome" during the procession at the end of Mass.