Black Catholic History Month
On July 24,1990 the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States designated November as Black Catholic History Month to celebrate the long history and proud heritage of Black Catholics.  It also marks a time to share in remembrance, the saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora.

The decision to designate November as Black Catholic History Month, also depended on the fact that a number of important dates to Catholics of African descent fell within this month.

  Who was the first black Catholic Priest?

On this date in 1854, James Augustine Healy was ordained in Paris, France, thus becoming the first Black priest in the Catholic Church.  James HEALY became the first bishop of Portland, ME, in 1875.

  Who is the only Black saint?

Did you know that the first African woman to be canonized as a saint by the Church in the 21st century lived her entire childhood as a slave?  When just a little girl, Saint  Josephine Bakhita, was kidnapped from her loving family in Sudan, and sold into brutal slavery.   Her different “owners” frequently beat and tortured her.  Finally when she was sold to an Italian diplomat, at age 14, St. Josephine Bakhita received Christian instruction for the first time from the Sisters of Charity in Venice, Italy.  Later, when the diplomat’s family returned to Africa, Saint Josephine refused to go with them.  She remained within the protection of the Sisters’ convent in Italy, where slavery was illegal.  For the next 50 years, she joyfully and faithfully served as the convent’s cook, seamstress, sacristan, and doorkeeper until her death in 1947.
  More to come the next three weeks! 

How many Black Catholics do you know?  Information provided by Sister Leonette Juengst, SSND.    Interested in joining the Peace and Justice Ministry?  Call Saralou Hendrickson at 314-440-2020.