St. Mary of the Mount Church & St. Adalbert Church
On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger led thousands of federal troops to Galveston, Texas, the last Confederate state to hold the institution of slavery, to announce that the Civil War had ended, and slaves had been freed.
"Juneteenth” serves as a way to celebrate and commemorate the news shared on June 19, 1865. Early celebrations included reassurance among descendants, praying, and gathering of remaining family members. In fact, many of the activities present at the first Juneteenth celebrations, including fishing, barbecuing, and baseball, are still present today. Most importantly, the day is a time for education.
On June 19, 2019, Pennsylvania officially designated June 19 a state holiday – “Juneteenth National Freedom Day.” In 2020 it was announced by both the City and the County that it would become a Pittsburgh City, and Allegheny County holiday in 2021. Lastly on 17 June 2021 it was declared a national holiday!
For a Prayer for Juneteenth - Click Here
For kids:
For Everyone:
Music: Juneteenth: Freedom At Last, T. Michael Rambo, history and hymn, 5:40 minutes long
Submitted by: Donna Zelt, parishioner of Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Pittsburgh Pa.