Msgr. Leonard G. Scott, retired pastor and judicial vicar of the Diocese of Camden, was the celebrant of a Mass for Black History Month on Feb. 23 at Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Sicklerville. Concelebrating were seven other priests of the diocese. Deacon William G. Johnson, Sr., the first African-American permanent deacon ordained in the diocese, was the homilist. Music was provided by the Diocese of Camden Gospel Choir, the AACCC Choir, the Catholic Apostolate (ICA) Choir and the African, African American and Caribbean Community Choir. Pictured above are Msgr. Scott at the altar with Deacon Johnson, left, and Father Alfred Mungujakisa, parochial vicar at Infant Jesus Parish, Woodbury Heights.
The service began with a procession of banners depicting African Americans who have been named Servants of God.
A woman carries an image of sainthood candidate Pierre Toussaint, a former Haitian slave who helped finance New York City’s first cathedral. In the background is a banner of Sister Thea Bowman, the first black sister in the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. She also is a sainthood candidate. Below right, Msgr. Scott distributes Communion.
Photos by Alan M. Dumoff
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