06/19/2026
Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a day to celebrate the joy of liberation and remember the sorrow of slavery. On June 19, 1865, over two years from the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, approximately 250,00 enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas were recognized fully as citizens and free from enslavement.
Take time today to reflect on our values at Stella Maris of Dignity and Justice. Here at Stella, we celebrate and recognize the value of each person created in the image of God. We welcome people of all color, creed and economic condition to our community.
On This Day of Freedom
God of all peoples, of all nations,
On this day of freedom, we celebrate triumphantly with all people of goodwill that we might walk arm in arm towards justice for all.
Breathe into us Your eternal breath that we may never tire of ensuring a flourishing life for all people, but most especially, those brothers and sisters whose growth has been stifled by the trauma of being enslaved.
O God, we know and have seen Your goodness, and because of it, we cling to the hope that unity and liberation for all are within our grasp. Continue to show us Your goodness, that we may have the strength to advance Your kingdom with humility and grace.
Gracious God, we give thanks for the gift of freedom on this Juneteenth. We remember those who suffered in slavery and celebrate the progress made towards justice. May we all work together to build a world where all are truly free and equal. Amen.