By Rita McInerney, Staff Writer

ATLANTA--The non-violent struggle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for justice for his people was recalled in words and music at the 11th annual archdiocesan celebration honoring the slain civil rights leader Jan. 14 at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Archbishop John F. Donoghue presided at the noon prayer service attended by about 500 people. The Archbishop James P. Lyke Memorial Mass Choir sang under the direction of Jack Tilson, choir director.

Spoken and sung tributes to Dr. King united the congregation. A multicultural litany commemorating the Atlanta minister was dramatically spoken in English and participants’ native languages. Some wore native dress.

Peace and justice awards were presented to groups or individuals from seven parishes for efforts to enhance life for the poor and oppressed.

Father Kenneth Hamilton, SVD, took his listeners back to the huge rally at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 at which Dr. King gave his “I Have A Dream” speech to 250,000 people. Black and white, people were packed together, “every eye and ear” focused on Dr. King, he said.

Such a man as Dr. King “is dangerous,” Father Hamilton said, “because he loves truth more than anything. He will do what he sees as justice even if the earth should yawn and swallow him up...We are thankful the Lord should let such a man touch our lives even if only for little while.”

He spoke of other scenes in the historic struggle, of the songs that helped freedom fighters endure, of books that told of individuals winning small victories against prejudice and economic inequity.

Father Hamilton said much of the negativity which African-Americans face has been “manipulated purposefully” by television tabloids, movies, the educational system, political debate. All “have been entrusted with our self-image...yet somebody’s image of you is only an echo of who you really are,” he said.

In the homily punctuated from the congregation with “Amen” and snatches of song, the priest advised, “Sometimes you’ve got to start a path of your own. That’s the message of King Day. We will be judged by our descendants.”

Among a series of “what ifs” ending his homily, he said, “What would happen, I wonder, if Jesus decided to change our name? What if it were only the whispering voice of the shepherd, the master, that reached our ears?”

“What if the small mustard seed of love planted deep within us really did contain the very divine power behind the universe?”

Teenager Gregory Baranco demonstrated the oratorical skill which won him national honors while a student at Sts. Peter and Paul School, Decatur.

Now a student at Southwest DeKalb High School, Gregory delivers “The Drum Major Instinct,” a memorable sermon preached by Dr. King from his pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on Feb. 4, 1968. Excepts from the homily were played at his funeral a few months later, April 9, 1968, in the same church.

Peace and justice awards were presented to three individuals and four groups. Announced by Marian Willingham and presented by Archbishop Donoghue, the citations went to:

Christ the King School in Atlanta for project Respect, a school-wide effort designed to develop appreciation for, and respect of, others and self. The theme is respect, religion, responsibility.

Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver, St. Paul of the Cross Parish, Atlanta for their involvement with the youths of the Bankhead Court community. This association focuses on life skills training, living without violence, and one-on-one mentoring. The process stresses education as a means to attain a wholesome, healthy lifestyle. Accepting the award were Gwen Mason and Merlin Todd.

Jan Miller of St. Jude Parish in Sandy Springs, who heads the parish Peace and Justice Committee, is a project coordinator with Hands on Atlanta, co-editor of the parish newsletter and a member of Pax Christi Atlanta. She recently coordinated an effort by the Atlanta Project and hands on Atlanta to clean up a neighborhood park and has been involved with Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment (ABLE) since 1992.

Harold S. Sauter, St. Anna Parish, Monroe, who, in 1968, served as a voting rights observer for the federal government in Alabama and Mississippi. In this role he helped to bring about equal voting rights. He has been honored for his work with various groups including Special Olympics, The Kidney Foundation, and the American Legion.

Mrs. Catherine McTier of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception who heads the parish transitional housing committee which helps people move from shelters to independent living. She has been faithful to this ministry despite obstacles and challenges.

Teen Ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Atlanta. Phillip Rogers accepted for this group of young people who provide service to homeless shelters, participate in parish liturgies for peace and justice and parish activities. The young people recently took park in the archdiocesan Kwanzaa celebration.

Food for the homeless volunteers at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Atlanta, begun by the parish social action committee in 1992, which provides a noonday hot meal four days a week from the front steps of the church. Volunteers from other churches and business organizations operate the food program, giving their time, finances and skills. Ruby Palmer accepted the award.

The litany was prayed by a multi-ethnic group standing in front of the altar. The congregation responded “In the name of freedom, let my people go,” after each invocation of the “20th century prophet of freedom.”

Taking part were: Danielle Botstein, representing The Temple on Peachtree Street; Frank Chen from the Chinese Catholic community which worships at All Saints Parish, Dunwoody; Carolina Gomez, Hispanic community, Immaculate heart of Mary Parish, Atlanta.

Sang Le, Our lady of Vietnam Mission, Forest Park; Melissa Keen, Christ the King Parish; Shirley Goldman, a native of the Philippines, St. Patrick’s, Norcross; Robert Deshommes, from Haiti, of Christ Our Hope Parish, Lithonia; Don Smith, Native American of Mohawk ancestry, from St. Patrick’s, Norcross; Lisa Wetzel, Korean-born member of St. Thomas More Parish, Decatur; Aaron Lewis Narnor, African-American from St. John the Evangelist, Hapeville, and Keith Nauswell, native African from St. Patrick, Norcross.

A liturgical dance was presented by Twinkle Morgan to the music of “The Impossible Dream.” Janis Griffin was soloist for “If I can Help Somebody,” and the congregation joined in singing the recessional, “We Shall Overcome.”

Howard Brown, director of the Office for Black Catholic Ministry, welcomed attendees after Mary Wells gave the call to worship. Archbishop Donoghue gave the final blessing.

Joy Hammock interpreted in sign language.

The service was sponsored by the archdiocesan Office for Black Catholic Ministry.,” and the congregation joined in singing the recessional, “We Shall Overcome.”

Howard Brown, director of the Office for Black Catholic Ministry, welcomed attendees after Mary Wells gave the call to worship. Archbishop Donoghue gave the final blessing.