Court celebrates 50 years at St. James Major Parish

By Constance Taylor
For The Catholic Week
MOBILE—The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court 172 at St. James Major Parish in Prichard recently celebrated their 50 th anniversary. The celebration on June 22 included Mass and a banquet. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi celebrated the Mass and parish pastor Fr. Godwin Bamidele Imoru concelebrated.
The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary is a Catholic fraternal service order. Founded in 1909 by the Josephites and parishioners from Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Mobile, it is the largest and oldest active Black Catholic lay-led organization. 
The court was initiated and organized June 21, 1974, with 14 charter members. Luberta W. Portis served as the first grand lady. Charter members were honored during the banquet. A candle was lit for all charter members and a bell rung for the 11 deceased charter members. 
A proclamation from Most Esteemed Supreme Lady Micaela J. A. LeBlanc was read and presented to Grand Lady Marjorie Seltzer by Gracious Lady LaTanya Brown, who was recently elected District Deputy of the Gulf Coast. 
The reception also included a dance presentation by Junior Daughters of Court 172.