Archdiocese of Chicago Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Death with an Ecumenical Service on April 4 at 7 p.m. at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine
Chicago, IL (April 4, 2018) – Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will preside at an ecumenical service commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination this evening at 7 p.m. at St. Rita Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 South Western Avenue, Chicago. The Christian service is part of the Archdiocese’s peace-building and violence-prevention efforts.
“Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful words and courageous actions inspired generations to dream and challenge inequalities and injustices,” said Cardinal Cupich. “This commemoration will honor his legacy, highlight our diversity and affirm our commitment to unity, justice and solidarity with one another.”
Ecumenical faith leaders from the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago; Episcopal Diocese of Chicago; Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA; United Methodist Church, Northern Illinois Conference; ACT3 Network; and the Presbytery of Chicago will participate in the service, which will also include special performances by praise dancers and the St. Ailbe Parish choir and students reading excerpts from Dr. King’s sermons. Attendees will include Archdiocesan clergy and laity, civic and city leaders, community members and faith partners. All in attendance will recite a non-violence pledge to commit to making peace within ourselves and the community.
Also this evening, the Archdiocese has asked all its churches and schools to ring their bells 39 times, once for each year of Dr. King’s life, beginning at 6:01 p.m., the approximate time of Dr. King’s death.
