Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 12-18-20

Local
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
On November 28, 2020,
Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory of Washington, D. C. was named Cardinal by Pope Francis. The 72-year-old was the highest-ranking African American in the Catholic Church and is now the first African American Cardinal in history.
In 2006, Cardinal Gregory joined an illustrious group of preachers with his induction into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at More- house College, Atlanta. At the National Pastoral Life Center in Washington, D. C., Cardinal Gregory was honored with the
Cardinal Bernardin Award given by the Catholic Common Ground Initiative.
We asked some local Catholics about their reaction to the his- toric news.
JOE ROBINSON
“The naming of Cardinal Gregory reminded me of the joy I felt when President Barack Obama was elected President. Cardinal Gregory has the possibility to be the first African American Pope in his-
tory.
“Combined with his work
within social justice and civil rights, he is the right man for the job.”
MRS. SONJIA LITTLE
“I was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Catholic school and I am a graduate of a Catholic University, so I am overjoyed. Being a Cardinal is a big deal because Cardinals are remarkably close to the Pope and they serve in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
JOE ROBINSON
“There have been other Black Cardinals, but this is the first for U. S. Catholics. Pope Francis is very forward thinking about social issues, especially since Archbishop Gregory has never shied away from contro- versy or social commentary.”
MRS. SONJA GARCIA
“In 2004, my Catholic faith was intensified as I attended the pomp and majestic installation of Bishop Gregory as Arch- bishop of Atlanta, Georgia. Today, as a 60-year converted and practicing Catholic, it gives me tremendous pride to know this man of God has been ele-
JEWEL WARREN
appointment of Cardinal Gre- gory on the news, I was de- lighted. The naming of the first African American Cardinal is wonderful and indeed a bless- ing. Moreover, I am happy to witness his calling being fulfilled during my lifetime. The mem- bers of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, along with our Priest Weria, have expressed heartfelt congratulations.
“It is my belief that he will serve the church and our coun- try well. It is my prayer that he is successful as God guides his step and anoints him with wis- dom and understanding.”
SONJIA LITTLE
SONJA GARCIA
vated to the first African Ameri- can Cardinal. What model of encouragement for our students at St. Peter Claver Catholic School!
“Along with Cardinal Gre- gory's legacy of faith and fi- delity, his leadership and example are recognized by Pope Francis. His faithful representation at the highest levels of Catholic hierarchy bring joy and promise during these perilous and unprece- dented times.”
MRS. JEWEL WARREN
“I have been a Catholic for 52 years. When I heard about the
Local Catholics Rejoice In Pope’s Naming Of First Black Cardinal
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 9-A