A significant charge of the Knights of Peter Claver is the support of Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Xavier is the only historically black, Catholic university in the Western Hemisphere. Serving more than 18,000 students with an African American population of 76%, Xavier University ranks first in the nation in placing African Americans into medical schools.
The Knights of Peter Claver continues it's tradition and mission in support of Xavier University which strives to combine the best attributes of both faith and culture.
Collectively with the other Districts of the order, the members of the Western States District are committed to meeting the $300,000 pledge to Xavier University.
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MOTHER OF AFRICA CHAPEL
The Order supports Catholic parishes as well as national and international charitable projects. For example, Knights and Ladies have contributed over $100,000 to the Mother of Africa Chapel in the National Basilica in Washington D.C. It is the first chapel in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (the largest Catholic Church in the United States) dedicated to African Americans.
The Our Mother of Africa Chapel is called "a celebration of love and freedom expressed in art and architecture" in the literature of the basilica. Three main pieces - a Madonna and child, a crucifix and the narrative relief - form a sacra conversazione, and visitors are invited, especially African Americans to participate in this sacred conversation when they visit.
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently renewed a grant to the organization to continue its Environmental Health and Justice Literacy Project, which educates citizens of poor communities about environmental health hazards. The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary has made noteworthy contributions to various local, state and national organizations such as the NAAPC, National Council of Negro Women, National Council of Catholic Women, Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to name a few. The Knights of Peter Claver Inc. is a member of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights.
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