The Archives Office of the Diocese of Youngstown has loaned materials relating to Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, to the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor for its newly opened exhibit “Hearing Our Voices: Discovering Black Youngstown.” The Historical Center requested from the diocesan archives some material associated with Bishop Murry (1948-2020), the fifth bishop of our diocese. The archives staff chose three pieces to tell a story of Bishop Murry and his work:
- “Who Is My Neighbor?,” his 2012 pastoral letter regarding poverty
- “Black Catholic Bishops in Extension Dioceses Are a Voice of Racial Justice,” an article from Extension magazine, 2020
- A Bronze model of the Holy Doors in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City, a 2016 gift from Pope Francis to Bishop Murry in honor of the Year of Mercy
One panel of the exhibit emphases faith as a hallmark of the Black experience in America: “The Mahoning Valley has a vibrant and active Black faith community, representing many religious traditions and beliefs, but still functioning as places that bring comfort in times of distress, assistance where needed, and support as necessary.” A photo of Bishop Murry is featured on this panel, with a quote from him: “Through listening, prayer, meaningful collaboration and action, we will seek a common ground where racism can no longer find a place in our hearts and in our society.”
The exhibit will be open until February 2024. Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor (The Steel Museum), 151 West Wood St., Youngstown, 44503, is open Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 12 to 4 p.m. For more information on the exhibit, call (330) 941- 1314, or visit centerofindustryandlabor@gmail.com. For information on the diocesan archives, phone Joan Lawson, (330-744-8451 x290) or email jlawson@youngstowndiocese.org.
