Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston Statement on
Juneteenth as a National Holiday

June 20, 2021 The Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston join with other faith leaders and people of goodwill to congratulate the women and men who have worked for decades toward designating Juneteenth as a national holiday. We look forward to using this annual celebration as an opportunity to build awareness and we recommit ourselves to the work of equity, equality, and justice.

In his proclamation, President Biden called this an opportunity to, “remember the moral stain and terrible toll of slavery on our country” and continued, “On Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to the work of equity, equality, and justice.  And we celebrate the centuries of struggle, courage and hope that have brought us to this time of progress and possibility … Juneteenth not only commemorates the past.  It calls us to action today.”

The heart of our mission as Sisters of St. Joseph is to welcome the “dear neighbor without distinction” and respect the dignity of all and stand with those who struggle for justice. For more than 360 years, the Sisters of St. Joseph have worked toward the inclusive love of all people and all creation. We know that there is much more to be done and commit ourselves to celebrate Juneteenth as a day that reminds us of our incredible capacity to heal, hope, and emerge from our darkest moments with purpose and resolve [see proclamation]. The work continues!

A Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2021

JUNE 18, 2021PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/06/18/a-proclamation-on-juneteenth-day-of-observance-2021/

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The Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston is a community of vowed apostolic women and lay associates with a contemplative stance toward life. Their mission is to realize the prayer of Christ, “That all may be one.” They work for unity and reconciliation where there is brokenness helping people become whole and holy, individually and together. In community and prayerful contemplation, they listen to the Spirit and move always toward love of God and love of neighbor without distinction. For more information visit www.csjboston.org

 

 

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Image by Wynn Pointaux from Pixabay