On Saturday, January 16, Dr. Eva Marie Lumas, SSS, was the surprise recipient of the Drum Major Award at the AACCFE (African American Catholic Center for Evangelization) 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast.
Each year, the AACCFE chooses a person to be honored and recognized as making outstanding contributions to the Church. Opening remarks were made by Anderson Shaw, Director of the AACCFE, and the morning was emceed by E. Desmond Taylor, Administrative Specialist to the Office of the Mayor, Houston, Texas. The Zoomed Prayer Breakfast welcomed many special guests, including the Most Reverend Fernand 3. Cheri, III O.F.M., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans; F. DeKarlos Blackmon, OblSB, Secretariat Director of Life, Charity and Justice, Diocese of Austin, and our own Sister Eva. The engaging discussions were centered around the theme of Black Lives Matter in the Catholic Church, citing one of Dr. King's famous quotes, "A right delayed is a right denied."
Sister Eva, DMin, has served as an Assistant Professor of Catechesis and Culture and Director of Field Education at the Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley; Interim Co-Director for the Institute for Black Catholic Studies of Xavier University of Louisiana where she continues today as the Associate Director and a faculty member. She was a Catechetical Consultant for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of Oakland. She has spent over 40 years as a co-instructor for three programs she co-founded: "LiturgyWorks" for Africentric liturgy training as well as the ”Mariama” and “Imani Programs” for Africentric catechist formation. She is a well-sought-after presenter on the topics faith and culture, inculturation and interculturation, catechist formation, liturgy and pastoral ministry in the African American community. Currently, Sister Eva is assisting the SSS Administration as the new Executive Assistant to the General Director and Council.
When Sr. Eva received the award, she had poignant words of gratitude and faith: "I accept this award, grateful that I've had the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of (so many before me), including cousins, friends, nieces, brothers and sisters who simply would not say "no" to God...who would never say "no" to the love of one another, and who always ask the question of each other: Speak Lord I am listening! What would you have me do? This award is a tribute to all those who stayed the course, stayed on the journey. You are an intentional creation!"
Congratulations Sister Eva, you truly exemplify a life of service and fortitude, living out the mission of the SSS, advocating peace and justice for the Common Good in light of the Social Mission of the Church.
