Today, All Saints Day, we were invited by friends to an African-American style revival at a Catholic Church. There were some good Church choirs, and an excellent preacher calling us to Jesus and an environment of the spirit being present with a social afterwards. We both enjoyed the experience despite it been new to us. People were moved, laughed, cried, clap hands and sung with the choir. The revival leader was inspiring about how to trust God and flush away the things that distract us and bring us down into the ‘pit’ of life.

It is to be noted that a number of members of this Catholic Church, St. Martin de Pores, at one time went to our present parish, to church, grade school or high school. Our present church, St. Benedict the Moore located downtown was created for African American Catholics but now has a largely white population of people from around the city. You can read the history of the Catholic Church in North Central Milwaukee to learn more.

Many members of the church tonight are low income African Americans and struggling and the Church, especially like this revival gives them hope to move on in life. Some would say this religion is “opium of people” and just keeps them from changing their life situation. I do believe religion brings the poor hope but that is a good thing. When someone is down hope can raise their spirit and help them ‘do the right thing’ despite hardship.

Religion, like we saw practiced tonight, can give hope, something we sorely need, especially in tough times. All day my spirits have been down and after the revival tonight they are still down. However, the revival has deliver hope that my spirits will be uplifted.

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