A Lenten Journey: Explore Anti-Racism as a Spiritual Practice- online

“Being antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism,

and regular self-examination.”

Ibram X. Kendi

Lent beckons us on a journey of self-examination with and in God, who mercifully brings new life into all our hopeless places.  Cranaleith is partnering with the Institute Office of Anti-Racism & Racial Equity of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas to help you build spiritual practices that support your work for racial justice in our world.

This Lenten journey builds on The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice: A Month of Meditations with Ignatius of Loyola by Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J.  Adapting the Spiritual Exercises to racial justice, the book provides readings, reflection, journaling and action for each day.  The author gives some painful examples of racism from the United States, other countries and from his own life as a man of color as he navigates our racially polarized world.

This program features four components:

• A half-day virtual retreat, Saturday, February 26, 2022, noon- 4 p.m. ET: During the retreat we will share an overview of the weeks to come, participate in an anti-racism primer and explore Saint-Jean’s book along with a variety of spiritual practices.  Daniel P. Horan, OFM, author of A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege, will be special guest facilitator.
• Virtual prompts based on Saint-Jean’s book: Each Wednesday of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, you will receive a virtual reflection. About a half-hour in length, these reflections will contain talks, music, art and/or prayer practices.  The prompts will be presented by different members of the Institute Office of Anti-Racism and Racial Equity.
• Conversation Circles, Saturdays, March 12, Mar. 26 and Apr 9, 1-2:30 p.m. ET: These are optional times for check-in, supportive discussions, community building and group spiritual direction. If you choose to attend, pre-registration is required.  (Link to be sent later.)
• Live Presentation by Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ, Wednesday, March 23, 8 pm ET: This is a hybrid event being held in person at the College of St. Mary’s in Omaha, NE and live-streamed via Zoom. Those already in A Lenten Journey program will automatically receive the Zoom link.  Anyone else may register here for just this event.  It is recommended that attendees have read Saint-Jean’s book.

Cosponsored with: