Days before the first African-American is sworn in as president, Catholics in the Atlanta Archdiocese will gather to remember the life and service of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Jan. 17 weekend. All are invited to attend.

The theme of this year’s anniversary celebration is “Serve One Another Through Love,” a line written by St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians.

“The excitement in the air serves for some of us as a bright light shining on the events of history,” said Charles Prejean, director of the archdiocesan Office for Black Catholic Ministry.

The annual event to mark King’s life is a time for the faithful to celebrate and rededicate themselves to the quest for justice, he added.

Mass is to be celebrated at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. The church is located at 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW, Atlanta.

Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and Auxiliary Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Archdiocese of New Orleans will celebrate the Mass at the downtown Atlanta parish.

Bishop Fabre was the youngest American bishop when he was ordained as a bishop in 2007. He selected as his motto the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Comfort my people.” Bishop Fabre is to be the homilist for the Mass.

On the following day, Sunday, Jan. 18, an event will be held for youth and young adults. It will be held at the St. Peter Claver Regional School, 2560 Tilson Road, Decatur, at 3 p.m.