PROVIDENCE — During Black Catholic History Month and throughout the year, the diocese continues to celebrate the unique cultural diversity of the black Catholic community as members of the Catholic Church, through evangelization, and all parishes throughout the state work together to welcome diverse communities in offering them a spiritual home. The Office of Black Catholic Ministry’s theme for this year’s celebrations is “Reconciliation: A Call for Forgiveness.”
“As we celebrate Black Catholic History Month it is important to bring awareness to the stance of our church fathers past and present as we continue to face the turmoil, unrest and changing times in our families, our church, our communities and society,” said Patty January, coordinator of the diocesan Office of Black Catholics.
The ministry has chosen to reflect on Saint Pope John Paul II’s address to a group of Cameroon intellectuals, in which he apologized to black Africa for the involvement of white Christians in the slave trade. The pope encouraged Christians to always seek ‘”healing and compassion.”
“As followers of Christ we must be forgiving always because our efforts of evangelizing can only happen if we walk in complete love for everyone we encounter on our faith journey,” said January.
The Office of Black Catholic Ministry asks that on Sunday, Nov. 17, all parishes throughout the diocese bring awareness by mentioning November as Black Catholic History Month. If you are a parish or an individual who would like to become more involved with the Office of Black Catholic Ministry, call 401-278-4552 or email pjanuary@dioceseofprovidence.org.
