Black Catholics Celebrate Unique Heritage with Mass

During November, Black Catholics proudly remember their history and heritage within the Catholic Church. Their liturgies feature dynamic gospel music, animated preaching, liturgical dancing, and expressive prayer to honor those who have contributed to the traditions of the Church despite opposition.

The Office of Black Catholics joined in the national celebration of Black Catholic History Month with a Mass on Nov. 2, All Souls Day. The event, themed "Thriving as Sons and Daughters of God," took place at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge. 

Bishop Michael G. Duca was joined at the altar by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Joseph Perry, of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and pastors from the predominately African American parishes in the diocese. 

The gathering began with comments from Ean Price and Nina Donald, who are young adult members of the Office of Black Catholics Advisory Board. 

Price, also a member of the Knights of Peter Claver (KPC) Youth Division, talked about Servant of God Friar Martin Maria de Porres Ward, who in 2024 became the seventh African American candidate for sainthood. Born in 1918 in Boston, Father Ward dedicated 51 years of his life to the Conventual Franciscan Friars, and spent much of it in Andrelândia, Brazil. 

Nina Donald, also a member of the youth division of the KPC Ladies Auxiliary, greeted the congregation and explained the purpose of celebrating Black Catholic History Month. She told the audience that thTop right and above photos: The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary Walk and clergy from the Diocese of Baton Rouge walk down the aisle during the processional hymn. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentatore unique gifts and contributions of Black Catholics enrich the churches.

The Fourth Degree Knights of Peter Claver Honor Guard and Ladies Auxiliary were the first to proceed down the aisle during a vibrant processional hymn.  

The seminarians of the Diocese of Baton Rouge were well represented. The seminarians studying at the Blessed Stanley Rother House in Baton Rouge served at Mass. They were joined by the diocese’s three African American seminarians who are studying at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans: Aeli Poydras, Carson Mack, and Tremell Batiste.

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Perry, homilist, paid tribute to the seven African American candidates for sainthood: Venerable Father Augustus Tolton (the first African American priest in the United States), Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Mother Mary Lange, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, Servant of God Julia Greeley, and Ward.

"These special seven are already a part of us and find a place in our hearts and devotions and prayers, in our ministries and our institutions," said Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Perry.

The cross of Christ was found in their lives just like in Jesus’, the auxiliary bishop emeritus pointed out.

"They were all scourged by the business of slavery, after that by racial segregation means, discrimination," he said.

Yet their lives exemplified how to live as a Christian, enduring the unbearable with fortitude and dignity. 

The power of the Christian faith insists that God will raise the believer to eternal life, according to Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Perry.
The Diocesan Gospel Choir preforming dynamic music."In the meantime, most of us will be around a bunch of struggles, and we must choose between good and evil," he said.

The Lord wants people to have an open heart, he pointed out.

"God wants to dress us in the appropriate clothing for heaven and put on a feast for us," said Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Perry.

He emphasized to attendees that someone needs their goodness, good deeds, and prayers today.

"As Catholic Christians we can make a difference and bring light to so many dark corners of our society and the world ... The God who sent his only son will bring each one of us home," said Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Perry.

Attendee Peter Breaux said celebrating Black Catholic history honors one of the many different facets of the Catholic faith.

"When you don't celebrate it, it's ignored, tossed to the other side, as though it doesn't matter. It does matter," said Breaux, a member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Baton Rouge.

Prudence Spooner, and her sister-in-law, Doris Spooner, said celebrating Black Catholic History Month helps people understand that Black Catholics' contributions go far beyond what took place "years ago" and continue today.

"I think it's a way to show that we can come together and unite not only in our Catholicism, but in the beauty of love in Jesus and show that love for him is greater than anything taking place in our country right now," said Prudence.

Doris was glad that people from different parishes around the diocese attended the event.
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Joseph Perry delivers the homily.Deacon Alfred Adams, director of the Office of Black Catholics, speaks to the assembly.
"We are a very positive, faithful people. And we like to get together and celebrate," she said.

Doris and Prudence thought the presence and participation of young people in the Mass indicated a positive future for Black Catholics in the church.

"When you are doing things like this (Mass) they will be able to see other young kids doing things like worshipping God," said Ty'von,18. "And they will say 'Oh that looks like fun, I should go too.' And they're going to find the meaning of God and what he does for us, all the good things, all our rights and wrongs, and we will actually know where we originally come from."

Ty'von said he didn't know about his culture, how to worship and understand God until he attended Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Black Catholic History Mass deepened his connection with the faith.

"I think it's a very cool, fun experience, and very life giving," said Ty'von.