As an interfaith chaplain, I recognize Juneteenth as a profound moment of reflection and celebration, deeply resonant with the universal human pursuit of freedom and dignity. This historic day, marking the end of slavery in the United States, invites us to acknowledge the courage and resilience of African Americans whose liberation was unjustly delayed. In honoring Juneteenth, I am reminded of the spiritual truth that every faith tradition upholds: the inherent worth of every person and the transformative power of hope and justice. As I stand alongside individuals of diverse backgrounds, I see in Juneteenth a sacred call to confront the painful legacies of racism while uplifting the voices and experiences of those who have too often been silenced.
My hope is that we can recognize Juneteenth as an opportunity to foster healing, remembrance, and communal solidarity. It is a time to gather in prayer, reflection, and dialogue—honoring the stories of ancestors and envisioning a future rooted in compassion and equality. As an interfaith chaplain, I hold space for these conversations, drawing upon the wisdom of many traditions to cultivate empathy and shared purpose. Through this work, I am continually reminded that the journey toward freedom—both personal and collective—requires ongoing commitment and courageous love.
I leave you with A Prayer for Juneteenth from the Catholic Health Association:

I consider it a privilege to serve the patients, families and staff at San Antonio Regional Hospital. We are here to provide a supportive presence during what can often be the darkest hour of their lives. We encourage anyone, irrespective of their spiritual or religious affiliation, or lack thereof, who needs additional support while in our hospital to reach out to the Spiritual Care Department. You can contact the Spiritual Care Department by dialing “26326” from any hospital phone or by making a request through your nurse.
We look forward to serving you!
Rev. Alexander J. Aaron, M.Div, BCC
Staff Chaplain
Phone: 909.920.6326