On Nov. 22, the diocesan Office for Black Catholics will begin the Year of Black Catholic Heritage, a time to honor and recognize the profound contributions of Black Catholics to the faith and the broader community.
This year is not only a time of reflection on the past but also a commitment to fostering a committed future in love and hope. The year will begin with an evening of reflection on the pastoral letter by the Black bishops, “What We Have Seen and Heard,” by Dr. Ansel Augustine, assistant director of African American Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Historical significance
Black Catholic History Month, established by the National Black Catholic Caucus in 1990, is celebrated every November. This monthlong observance highlights the rich history and significant contributions of Black Catholics.
Sister Thea Bowman’s thoughts can guide you in reflecting on the beauty of celebrating Black Catholic History Month. In her response to “What does it mean to be Black and Catholic?” she responded by saying, “I came to my church fully functioning. I bring myself, my black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I hope to become, I bring my whole history, my traditions, my experience, my culture, my African American song and dance and gesture and movement, and teaching and preaching and healing and responsibility as a gift to the Church” (Excerpt from Sister Thea to the American Bishops, June 17, 1989).
Dear friends, this will be a year of reflection and celebration in our diocese, helping us to empathize with the enduring legacy and vibrant presence of Black Catholics in the diocese.
The Black Catholic community has been shaped by resilient and faith-filled individuals whose courage and perseverance have left an indelible mark. We are grateful to the many religious communities who saw beyond color and ministered to the Black communities.
These religious groups include: the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Fathers), Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Daughters of Wisdom, Congregation of Missionaries of the Holy Family, Missionary Sisters of Verona (Comboni Sisters), Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Franciscan Sisters of Baltimore, Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, and St. Joseph Society of the Sacred Heart (Josephite Fathers).
Community celebrations
Throughout the year, the Office for Black Catholics will be hosting a variety of events to celebrate Black Catholic heritage. The highlights of the year will be a day dedicated to family, youth, and young adults in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., cultural awareness events, a speaker series, and a Black Catholic exhibit in partnership with the Black History Museum of Virginia to end the year. All of these events are open to everyone.
While there is much to celebrate, the Year of Black Catholic Heritage also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Black Catholics. Issues such as racial discrimination and underrepresentation in Church leadership are still prevalent. However, this year provides an opportunity to engage in dialogue with one another.
The celebration of Black Catholic heritage in our diocese is not just about looking back; it’s about moving forward with a renewed commitment to love, justice, and healing. By honoring the past and addressing the present challenges, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of race, feels valued and included.
As we celebrate this year, let us keep in mind the words of Sister Thea Bowman: “We are called to walk together in a new way toward that land of promise.” Let us walk together celebrating the rich heritage of Black Catholics and committing to a future of unity and justice.
Father Tochi Iwuji is the pastor of Holy Rosary, Richmond, and director of the diocesan Office for Black Catholics.