Joshua Bennett
Black Catholic History Month is an annual celebration observed in November to commemorate the contributions of Black Catholics, especially African Americans, to historical and contemporary society. The month was designated by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States in 1990, recognising several significant dates for Catholics of African descent. This includes All Saints' Day on November 1st, honouring the Saints of African descent, and All Souls' Day on November 2nd, remembering those lost during the Middle Passage crossing of the Atlantic. The month also coincides with the feast day of St. Martin de Porres, the first Black American saint, and the birthday of St. Augustine, the first Doctor of the Church born in North Africa. Black Catholic History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the faith, resilience, and heritage of Black Catholics, fostering unity and understanding within the Church. It is a time to celebrate the diverse narratives of Black Catholics, ensuring their stories of enduring faith and devotion are not forgotten.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | November |
| Reason | To reflect upon and celebrate the contributions and experiences of Black Catholics in the history of the Church |
| Established | 1990 |
| Established by | National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States |
| Important dates | All Saints Day, All Souls Day, St. Martin de Porres Day, St. Augustine's birthday, Zumbi of Palmares' death |
| Black Catholics proposed for canonization | Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Mother Henriette Delille, Venerable Mother Mary Lange, Angel of Charity, Servant of God Julia Greeley, Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman |
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What You'll Learn
- Black Catholic History Month was established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus
- November was chosen because it contains several significant dates for Catholics of African descent
- It is a time to reflect on the contributions and experiences of Black Catholics
- It is also a time to remember the saints and souls of Africa and the African diaspora
- The month highlights the richness of Black Catholic art, science, and culture
Black Catholic History Month was established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus
The selection of November as the month to celebrate Black Catholic History was intentional. November holds several important dates for Catholics of African descent. November 1st is All Saints' Day, an opportunity to honour the many Saints of African descent in the first 300 years of the Church. November 2nd is All Souls' Day, a day to remember the Africans who lost their lives during the Middle Passage crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. November 3rd marks the day Martin de Porres became the first Black American saint, and November 13th is the birthday of St. Augustine, the first Doctor of the Church born in North Africa.
The establishment of Black Catholic History Month was also influenced by a historic address given by Sister Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and advocate for racial and intercultural diversity in Church liturgy and leadership. In 1989, a year before the NBCCC vote, Sister Thea Bowman became the first Black American woman to address the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In her address, she spoke about the contributions of Black enslaved men and women to the art, science, and culture of the nation, and called on the bishops to fully recognise and include Black Catholics in the life of the Church.
Black Catholic History Month is an annual observance that highlights the contributions and experiences of Black Catholics in the history of the Church and contemporary society. It is a time to recognise the faith, resilience, and heritage of Black Catholics and to foster unity and understanding among all Catholics. Black Catholic History Month serves as a reminder that the narratives of Black Catholics should be celebrated and remembered throughout the year, ensuring that their impact on the Catholic faith is not forgotten.
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November was chosen because it contains several significant dates for Catholics of African descent
November is a month of reflection on the rich contributions and experiences of Black Catholics in the history of the Church. It is a time to recognise the faith, resilience, and heritage of Black Catholics, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among all Catholics. Black Catholic History Month was established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States, who voted in favour of designating November for this observance.
November was chosen because of the several significant dates it holds for Catholics of African descent. November 1st is All Saints' Day, a day to honour the many Saints of African descent in the first 300 years of the Church. This is followed by All Souls' Day on November 2nd, a day to remember the countless Africans who lost their lives during the treacherous Middle Passage crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. November 3rd marks the day Martin de Porres became the first Black American saint. The month also coincides with the feast day of St. Martin de Porres, the birth of St. Augustine, the first Doctor of the Church born in North Africa, and the death of Zumbi of Palmares.
The month of November also holds broader significance for Black Catholics in the United States. In 1693, Spain offered freedom in Florida to slaves who converted to Catholicism. In 1738, Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose, became the first free Black town in the United States. Additionally, the city of Chicago was founded by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, who participated in Catholic sacraments.
Black Catholic History Month serves as a reminder that the contributions and narratives of Black Catholics should be recognised and celebrated throughout the year. It is a time to honour the enduring faith and devotion of Black Catholics, celebrating their impact on the Catholic Church and broader society.
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It is a time to reflect on the contributions and experiences of Black Catholics
Black Catholic History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions and experiences of Black Catholics. It is observed annually in November in the United States and elsewhere. The month was officially designated in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States, following a vote during their annual meeting at Fordham University in New York City.
The choice of November holds significant meaning for Black Catholics. It coincides with several important dates, including All Saints' Day on November 1st, which invites a reflection on the lives of numerous Saints of African descent from the early years of the Church. All Souls' Day on November 2nd is a solemn occasion to remember the African lives lost during the Middle Passage, the forced voyage of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, November 3rd marks the day Martin de Porres became the first Black American saint, and the month also includes the birthday of St. Augustine, the first Doctor of the Church born in North Africa.
The observance of Black Catholic History Month extends beyond the Black Catholic community. It is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse contributions of Black Catholics to the Church and society. Their stories of enduring faith, resilience, and devotion serve as a testament to Catholics of all backgrounds. Figures like Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Mother Henriette Delille, and Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman embody the richness of Black Catholic experiences and their impact on the Catholic faith.
Black Catholic History Month is more than just a commemorative month; it is a call to recognize and celebrate Black Catholic narratives throughout the year. It is an opportunity to foster unity, understanding, and inclusivity within the Church, ensuring that the contributions and presence of Black Catholics are not anonymous but integral to the fabric of Catholicism.
Through Black Catholic History Month, individuals and communities are encouraged to explore and share the history, traditions, experiences, and cultural expressions of Black Catholics. It is a time to honour the past, celebrate the present, and continue striving for full inclusion and recognition of Black Catholics within the Church and beyond.
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It is also a time to remember the saints and souls of Africa and the African diaspora
Black Catholic History Month, observed in November, is a time to celebrate and recognise the contributions of Black Catholics to historical and contemporary society. It is also an opportunity to remember the saints and souls of Africa and the African diaspora. This includes the many saints of African descent in the first 300 years of the Church and those lost to the cruel treatment during the Middle Passage crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.
The month of November was chosen by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus in 1990 due to the significance of several dates within it. November 1st is All Saints' Day, a day to honour the saints of African descent. This is followed by All Souls' Day on November 2nd, a day to remember the souls of those lost during the Atlantic Ocean crossing. November 3rd is the feast day of Martin de Porres, the first Black American saint. Additionally, November is the birth month of St. Augustine, the first Doctor of the Church born in North Africa.
Black Catholic History Month serves as a reminder to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Black Catholics throughout history. It is a time to reflect on the faith, resilience, and heritage of Black Catholics, fostering unity and understanding among all members of the Church. The month provides an opportunity to learn about the lives of Black Americans on the path to sainthood, such as Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Mother Mary Lange, Venerable Henriette Delille, and Servant of God Julia Greeley, who have endured trials and tribulations while demonstrating enduring faith and devotion.
The observance of Black Catholic History Month extends beyond the Black Catholic community. It is a time for all Catholics to come together and celebrate the diversity within the Church. As Sister Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and advocate for racial and intercultural diversity in Church liturgy and leadership, said, "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". Black Catholic History Month is a time to honour the saints and souls of Africa and the African diaspora, recognising their impact on the Catholic Church and society as a whole.
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The month highlights the richness of Black Catholic art, science, and culture
Black Catholic History Month, observed in November, is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the richness of Black Catholic art, science, and culture. The month was designated by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States in 1990, highlighting the significant contributions of Black Catholics to the Church and society.
The choice of November holds a special significance for Catholics of African descent. It coincides with several important dates, including All Saints' Day on November 1st, which invites a reflection on the lives of the numerous Saints of African descent from the early years of the Church. All Souls' Day on November 2nd is a solemn occasion to remember the African lives lost during the Middle Passage crossing of the Atlantic—a dark chapter in history. November 3rd marks the day Martin de Porres became the first Black American saint, and the month also includes the birthday of St. Augustine, the first Doctor of the Church born in North Africa.
Black Catholic History Month is an opportunity to delve into the narratives of faith, resilience, and heritage of Black Catholics. It is a time to honour the diverse and enriching contributions of Black Catholics to the Church and to foster unity and understanding among all faithful. The month celebrates the lives of notable figures such as Venerable Pierre Toussaint, a benefactor to New York City's most vulnerable; Venerable Mother Mary Lange, who established America's first congregation for African American women and the first Catholic school for African American children; and Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman, a powerful advocate for racial and intercultural diversity within the Church.
The month also serves as a reminder that the recognition of Black Catholic contributions should extend beyond November. Sister Thea Bowman, in her historic address to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1989, emphasised the richness of art, science, and culture brought by Black Catholics to the Church and society. Her words resonate with the enduring spirit of Black Catholics, who, despite facing oppression and adversity, have enriched every facet of American life and culture.
Black Catholic History Month is not merely a ritual of remembrance but a call to action. It is an invitation to actively include and celebrate the richness of Black Catholic art, science, and culture within the Church and beyond. It is a time to explore the intersections of faith and racial identity, to embrace diversity, and to ensure that the narratives of Black Catholics are not forgotten but woven into the very fabric of our collective memory.
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Frequently asked questions
Black Catholic History Month is celebrated annually in November.
Black Catholic History Month is important because it highlights the contributions of Black Catholics to historical and contemporary society. It is a time to recognise the faith, resilience, and heritage of Black Catholics, and to foster unity and understanding among all Catholics.
Black Catholic History Month was established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States. The Caucus met at Fordham University in New York and voted to designate November as Black Catholic History Month due to several significant dates for Catholics of African descent falling within this month.
Some significant dates during Black Catholic History Month include All Saints' Day on November 1st, All Souls' Day on November 2nd, the feast day of St. Martin de Porres on November 3rd, the birth of St. Augustine on November 13th, and the death of Zumbi of Palmares on November 20th.
