Please consider the nomination of Harriet Tubman for Beatification as a continuing symbol of hope, devotion and positive action for freedom from Racism in our communities.

Harriet Tubman guided multitudes of Americans on the path to freedom from slavery. Now our communities need to work together to find our path to freedom from racism. We could all learn how to be Abolitionists of Racism through the mission of Harriet Tubman. The Beatification process could act as an important proactive learning tool.

The Vatican process of Beatification, which begins in the diocese, would concede support to the public that could be devoted to continue Tubman’s mission through the positive action of education about her life, her work and her faith. There is so much compelling evidence of Tubman’s religious faith and positive actions consistent with the lives of other blessed church figures and there is such compelling need for her devotion as symbol of hope in these trying times where race relations need to improve.

Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and humanitarian. Born a slave circa 1822, she sustained violent beatings from her master as a child. A traumatic head injury caused her to experience visions and dreams throughout her life that she felt were messages from God. She guided people to freedom from slavery; fostered work for freed slaves and took care of her elderly. She died in 1913 and is considered an American symbol of freedom and hope. The Episcopal Church honored her as a saint in 1995.

Please consider our request to nominate Harriet Tubman for Beatification so that she may help to guide us to find the way to freedom from racism in our communities.

(Image Wikimedia Commons)

(a personal note: My mother, Dorothy and I are parishioners of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark. Mother was born across the street, 90 years ago  and we love attending mass at Sacred Heart. The present church community is so large and diverse; there is such a strong atmosphere of faith and prayer. We feel privileged to be a part of this wonderful congregation.

Like many Americans today, we are quite dismayed by the racial conflicts and racism in our communities and we feel that this should be a subject of attention and prayer. The initiative to embrace the mission of Harriet Tubman as a leader of faith and her Beatification would be a proactive mission and learning tool for our church community in our fight from freedom from racism.)

Frank Gerard Godlewski fellsbridge@gmail.com