By Kateri Joda Williams Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry
November is the month that we reflect upon the rich contributions and experiences of Black Catholics in the history of the Church. This annual observance provides an opportunity to recognize the faith, resilience, and heritage of Black Catholics while fostering a sense of unity and understanding among all the faithful. Recognizing the depth and breadth of our faith community provides us with a universal view of Church history.
In 1990, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States officially established November as Black Catholic History Month. November was designated as it contains dates that have great significance for the Black apostolate. In addition to the Solemnity of All Saints and All Souls Day, such dates include the feast day of St. Martin de Porres and the birth date of St. Augustine, the first Doctor of the Church born in North Africa. In recent years, Nov. 28 has been added to the list of noteworthy dates as both the anniversary of the elevation of the only African American Cardinal, His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory, and the feast day of Our Lady of Kibeho, the only Marian apparition on the African continent approved by the Vatican.
The importance of Black Catholic History Month extends far beyond the Black Catholic community. Father Cyprian Davis, OSB, a Black Benedictine monk, professor and author of “The History of Black Catholics in the United States” stated, “Too long have Black Catholics been anonymous. It is now clear that they can be identified, that their presence has made an impact, and that their contributions have made Catholicism a unique and stronger body.” These contributions are evident in the narratives of the lives of the six Black Americans candidates currently proposed for canonization: Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Mother Henriette Delille, Venerable Mother Mary Lange, Denver’s own Angel of Charity, Servant of God Julia Greeley, and Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman. Their stories of enduring faith and devotion through their triumphs, trials and tribulations serve as living testimonies to Catholics of all races and ethnicities.
For Black Catholics, cultural representation matters. Understanding that Black Catholic history is Catholic history provides a sense of validation and belonging, acknowledging that all God’s children have a meaningful place within the Church. As Black Catholic History is not only acknowledged but celebrated among the Catholic community at large, it reinforces the fact that our Church is truly universal. Only 24% of Black Catholics attend historically predominately Black parishes in the United States; the other 76% of Black Catholics worship at predominantly White or multi-ethnic parishes. A church community that embraces and values its diverse members is a welcoming environment for all.
Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman shares beautifully in her work from “Families: Black and Catholic, Catholic and Black”:
Black Catholics Christians baptized in Christ Jesus and guided by His Spirit united in faith and worship sharing Sacraments living signs of His Living presence in our world building up His Body continuing His Sacred Mission as prophet — proclaiming God’s Word. priest — celebrating, worshipping servant — ministering to the peoples of the world witnessing (together with the Holy Father, bishops, priests and deacons, lay men and women and children everywhere) that God is love.
In essence, Black Catholic History Month is a reminder that the contributions of Black Catholics should be recognized and celebrated throughout the year to ensure that these narratives are not forgotten. As stated in “What We Have Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United States” in 1984, “We thank God for the gifts of our Catholic faith and we give thanks for the gifts of our Blackness. In all humility, we turn to the whole Church that it might share our gifts so that ‘our joy may be complete.’” Happy Black Catholic History Month!