Dear ~~first_name~~,

You may have seen the article in the recent Tudor Hall Times that a special Historically Speaking will take place the evening of Thursday, February 22nd at St. Peter Claver Church in St. Inigoes starting at 6:30pm.

Details about this important event, and reservations, are right HERE.

Why is this Historically Speaking Special?

The Historical Society has published  The Story of the St. Inigoes Mission 1634 – 1994, a history by Fr. Francis Michael Walsh who will introduce its central themes that evening. 

His narrative is unlike other historical accounts as Fr. Walsh unpacks a deeper context to Maryland’s founding in 1634, of persecutions from outside and within the Church, and of efforts by clergy in 19th and 20th centuries striving to reaffirm the shared identity of Black and White Catholics, all but lost by the forces of slavery, segregation, and prejudice.
 

(Fr. Walsh's work in this regard were recounted in 
this1984 Washington Post Magazine cover story.)
 

In a review of Fr. Walsh’s book, Professor Garrey Dennie of St. Mary's College of Maryland wrote:

"For a very long time, race did indeed overcome faith as the marker of Catholic identity in St. Inigoes. But the possibility of positive change, the idea that within the faith itself Black and White Catholics could arrive at shared understanding of how to pursue their best lives, Black Catholics never abandoned that goal. Neither did Father Walsh. That is the message of this work."                                                                                                    

Professor Laura Masur of the Catholic University of America said of the book, “through it emerges the powerful and largely untold stories of the Black Catholics whose devotion to family, community, and God is an important legacy of the St. Inigoes mission during the late 19th and 20th centuries.”

We are honored that His Excellency Bishop Roy Campbell, Jr. of the Archdiocese of Washington will offer the Invocation and opening remarks.  An informal reception and book signing by Fr. Walsh will follow the program.

Reservations are required which are, of course, without charge. You can register easily by clicking HERE

You should not miss this important event.