Holy Cross was special today.  It was celebrating the “richness and diversity of our African culture and heritage.”    This is an annual event that the assembly strongly supports.  Eleven sir knights joined together to provide an honor guard for the parish priest, Reverend Raymond J. Donaldson, S.J., and celebrant, Reverend Joseph Orji.

The kids were wide-eyed and curious as they watched the “pirates” with caps and swords. Ah, the world through the eyes of a child.  The knights knights followed the church choir in the procession.  The pride reflected in the faces of the congregation made this writer stand a little straighter and taller.

At the end of the mass, a child stopped by the knights with this mother.  He had written a special thank you.  It read, “Dear Kights (sic), Thank you for helping this church be the best church of all time.  Love Steven Watts.”

Steven, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  It was our honor to serve you, your family, and your church.

This is an event that deserves our support.  Holy Cross church is always alive with color, music, wonderful people, and The Holy Spirit.  Today, many wore attire modeled after the dress of Africa.  Prayers were said in English, Yoruba and Igbo (Nigeria), Krio (Siera Leon), Ga and Ewe (Ghana), and French.  All reflected the roots of the Durham African-American community.

Mark your calendars for next year, as this is an annual event.