News - Racial Justice

It’s scary, but imagine being the target of that behavior simply because of your gender, race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation, perhaps on the street, MUNI or BART. We can reach out and offer support, even help, and as interested and socially-responsible citizens, we are called to help when we see people in need. In particular, as Catholics, we are called on to promote the dignity of all persons, leaving no one outside our circle of compassion. Everyone — older adults, children, people with special needs, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation— has the right to be treated with dignity, compassion and humanity.

Born in Norwalk, CA, in 1926, to immigrant parents, Asawa’s life was marked by early adversity. During World War II, she and her family—like approximately 120,000 other Japanese Americans (including US-born citizens)—were unjustly forced into US internment camps. Yet even in hardship, Asawa was able to discover beauty. Like St. Ignatius, who found God in all things—even suffering—she ultimately transformed trauma into something sacred. Asawa is most well-known for her groundbreaking wire sculptures: floating, transparent forms inspired by nature and basket weaving she observed during an artists’ tour of Latin America. These sculptures remind us to view the world contemplatively—to find grace in the ordinary, and the divine in the overlooked.

April is Arab-American Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans to our society. From scientists such as Nobel Prize winner Elias J. Corey, to business leaders such as Steve Jobs, and to writers as diverse as Kahlil Gibran, Edward Said, and Raymond Khoury, Arab Americans have woven their talents into the fabric of our nation. Arab communities in the US are incredibly diverse, with roots in over 20 countries, including Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and Morocco. They also bring a variety of faith traditions—Christian (Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant), Muslim, and others—all of which add to the beauty of our shared human story.

Did you know that the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco played an influential role in the life of the American journalist, Catholic social activist, and founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, Dorothy Day? Dorothy Day was born on November 8, 1897, in Brooklyn, New York. Her father, a sportswriter, took a position with the San Francisco Chronicle and the family moved to Oakland, California. In the aftermath of the earthquake, nine-year-old Dorothy witnessed the outpouring of support and self-sacrifice by the community. Young Dorothy drew a lesson about individual action and the Christian community, two guiding principles that would inform her entire life.

This year, Ramadan is being celebrated within the Islamic community beginning the evening of Friday, February 28 and lasting until March 29. Join us in wishing our Muslim friends a “Ramadan Mubarak”, meaning “have a blessed and generous Ramadan.” On behalf of the Anti-Racism Committee, parishioner Rick Fain offers this description so we may better understand the faith of our Muslim neighbors in San Francisco and around the world.

The theme for Black History Month this year is Labor, which provides a valuable lens to consider the contributions of Black labor to our country, and our community. The month starts with Freedom Day, February 1, which was designated in 1948 to commemorate the signing of the 13th Amendment in 1865. This landmark legislation abolished slavery, except as punishment for a crime, marking a pivotal moment in the journey toward freedom and equality.

Lunar New Year is celebrated by billions of people in East Asia and beyond. We asked Saint Ignatius parishioner Vanita Louie to share how her family celebrates the holiday, also known as Chinese New Year.

As we begin our month-long celebration of Black History Month, this week's In The Margins invites us to take a long, loving look at the real. The history of our country and our Church has often been a source of anguish for our brothers and sisters of color. Their experiences demand our attention, our accompaniment, and our compassion.

Last week our Parish's Antiracism Committee shared with you the vision of St. Ignatius Parish as an antiracist multicultural parish. Beginning this week, we invite you to reflect on the journeys of community members who have agreed to share their experiences and struggles around the issue of racism.

Contemplation to Attain Love: The final meditation in the Spiritual Exercises is the contemplation to attain love. This final meditation is an invitation to let the Holy Spirit infuse our hearts so that we may envision a new way of being.