Black Catholics

Father Robert Boxie III, the Catholic chaplain at Howard University in Washington, said the naming of Washington’s archbishop “as a cardinal is huge, it’s historic.”

Supporters proclaiming the words “Black Lives Matter,” are seeking, especially in the Catholic Church, to have racism be addressed.

As we mark this 94th annual celebration of black history during February, I encourage all Catholics interested in justice, reconciliation and peace to commit to learning about the central place of black people in the church’s long and complex history.

At a time when America’s original sin of racism is rearing its ugly head again, Father Tolton’s life is a testament to the fact that one person’s commitment to holiness can help to affect change, far beyond one’s neighborhood or lifespan.

More than 2,000 converged on Orlando July 6-9 for the 12th National Black Catholic Congress where speakers — clergy, lay and religious — addressed a variety of topics and concerns facing black communities and families, while urging those present to take an active, enthusiastic role in living out the Gospel as just disciples of Christ.

The U.S. bishops chose to break from tradition during this year’s fall assembly by celebrating Mass at the church known as the “Mother Church” of black Catholics in Western Baltimore instead of the usual venue: Baltimore’s historic basilica.