November is Black Catholic History Month
On July 24, 1990, meeting at Fordham University in New York, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States, designated November as Black Catholic History month to celebrate the heritage and history of black Catholics.
November is significant because two important black saints are commemorated within the month. St. Martin De Porres’ feast day (Nov. 3) and St. Augustine’s birthday (Nov. 13). November marks a time when the church prays for all saints and souls in loving remembrance. Let us also remember the saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora.
Out of the more than 10,000 men and women recognized as saints – which include11 Americans and a total of 926 (to date) that have been canonized by Pope Francis – “none” are African American. Currently, there are 6 Black American Catholics on the road to sainthood. Among them, Father Augustus Tolton. An escaped slave, he is the first “recognized” American Black priest.
