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Denver Archbishop to Preside at Mass Honoring MLK

Archbishop Samuel Aquila will preside at the Denver Archdiocese’s first Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice honoring the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The Mass will begin 8 a.m. Jan. 21 at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 2301 York St., in Denver.

The church is across the street from City Park, where the annual Martin Luther King Marade (march and parade) will begin its program at 10 a.m.

“Martin Luther King knew that true human dignity came from God, not the state, society or government,” Archbishop Aquila told the Denver Catholic Register in an article published Jan. 16. “He knew it was the responsibility of government to protect the God-given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

The Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice is being organized by Mary Leisring, director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry, and Deacon Charles Parker, director of the Office of Liturgy. It is planned to be an annual event.

Participants in the Mass will include Father Simon Kalonga, parish administrator of Cure d’Ars Church in Denver, Deacon Clarence McDavid of Cure d’Ars, and fourth degree Knights of Peter Claver, in full regalia.
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