People of Diocese of Baton Rouge trek to National Black Catholic Congress XIII

On July 19-23, about 20 people from the Diocese of Baton Rouge attended the National Black Catholic Congress XIII in Washington, D.C., according to Deacon Alfred Adams, director of the Office of Black Catholics for the diocese.
The attendees from the dioceses joined several thousand other people at the opening Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception, including the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, approximately 25 U.S. bishops, 130 concelebrating priests and 60 permanent deacons. 

The youth attending the congress had a town gathering with Bishop J. Terry Steib, Bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Memphis, Tennessee. The youth discussed vocations, community and racism and how to encourage young people to “keep the faith and follow their dreams.”
The young people also dressed in the attire of the six African Americans on the path to sainthood and gave a short presentation of the candidates. A presentation was also given on Daniel Rudd, the founder of the Colored Catholics Congress, now known as the National Black Catholic Congress.
A breakout session featured a panel discussion “Black Priests Living Priesthood.” Panelists included Father Josh Johnson, director of the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Father Robert Boxie, Chaplain of Howard University in Washington, D.C. and other priests.
“(Their message was) ‘Vocations do not just drop; out of the sky. They just don’t grow on trees. They come from families,’ ” said Deacon Adams.
He concluded “Thanks to all from our diocese who attended. We were well represented.”

Photos provided by Office of Black Catholics of Diocese of Baton Rouge