Unrequited Love: Crucified Black Jesus

Unrequited Love: Encounter with the Crucified Black Jesus

Saturday, February 1
9 – 11 AM (CT)
Monday, February 3
6:30 – 8:30 PM (CT)

“Unrequited Love” is the title of a painting by Black artist Haman Cross III, co-created with the Holy Spirit, and with Fr. Larry Dowling who commissioned the painting. Spend time with Fr. Dowling and Mr. Cross in prayer and reflection on the image of a suffering Christ who weeps at the societal and individual cross of systemic racism, yet longs that His love and the love of the God He called ‘Abba’ can still bear fruit in racial reconciliation and reparation in our country. Opportunities for sharing within the session and in an optional series of 4 Peace Circle Conversations over the following 4 weeks.

Format: In-Person or Zoom | The facilitator will be in person.

Haman Cross III is a distinguished artist and project manager based in Chicago, renowned for his community engagement, environmental awareness initiatives, and commitment to spiritual development. Cross is notably credited with providing the idea and co-creating the vision for the Douglass 18 mini-golf course in North Lawndale. He served as a project manager for the Out of Eden Walk-Chicago project, part of Paul Salopek’s global journey. He is the founder of Freedom House Studios, a creative space dedicated to fostering artistic expression and community collaboration. Cross integrates spiritual perspectives into his projects, emphasizing personal and collective growth. His initiatives often encourage participants to explore deeper connections to their surroundings and each other, fostering a holistic approach to community development and personal well-being.

Fr. Larry Dowling (M.Div, D. Min), ordained in 1991, retired on June 30, 2024 as 17-1/2-yr pastor of St. Simon of Cyrene Parish (locations at St. Agatha & St. Martin de Porres Churches), a predominantly African American parish on Chicago’s west side. He has a passion for healing and restoration of spirit, mind and body of those who have suffered trauma from the multiple ongoing manifestations of systemic racism. He helped establish a free mental health center, the Encompassing Center, for the Chicago West Side community. He served on the Steering Committee to create the first Restorative Justice Community Court in Cook County. He is a founding member of the Archdiocesan Healing Garden Committee, a coalition of clergy and victim-survivors of child and youth sexual abuse. He is a trained Restorative Justice practitioner, published writer, an avid reader, hiker and cyclist.

Zoom registrants will receive the Zoom link and passcode via email within 3 business days of registration. A reminder will be sent the day before the program. If you have any questions or didn’t receive an email, please visit our General Information page.