This week on Dec. 8, the Roman Catholic Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most important feast days of the liturgical year. It is also probably the most misunderstood.

On Dec. 1, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This case challenges the constitutionality of a law enacted in Mississippi which prohibits abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The case is big, and the Justices’ decision has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade.

In this season of Thanksgiving, my heart is turned again toward what makes me deeply grateful—beginning with the chance to celebrate a national holiday devoted to thanking God for so many blessings. Prayers of gratitude toward God quickly become prayers of gratitude for all the people in my life who are His great gifts to me.   

Remember last year when we wanted nothing more than to celebrate with family and friends like usual? Now we’re on the brink of a holiday season with hopes as bright as Christmas lights. But with the return of traditions, travel and time together, we may also encounter the gripes, grudges and jostles of family gatherings.

Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman, taught us we can be truly Catholic and authentically black. I bring my blackness, songs, dancing, time, talents, and love to a Church that hasn’t always loved me.

Violence against Catholic churches, statues, and religious objects, in particular, has increased greatly during the past year. Since May 2020, there have been more than 81 confirmed attacks on Catholic churches in 25 states, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Vandals have toppled, defaced, destroyed, and set fire to Catholic schools, churches, offices, convents, monasteries, statues, and devotional objects.