Bishops honored at Black Saints Celebration

by Macie Capote

By Macie Capote
Clarion Herald

The Black Catholic community of the Archdiocese of New Orleans gathered in celebration of Black Catholic History Month with the annual Black Saints Celebration, themed “Shepherd My People: Celebrating Our Black Bishops.”

This year’s event, hosted by the archdiocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministries (OBCM), was held at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Marrero and honored the legacies of New Orleans Auxiliary Bishops Harold R. Perry, S.V.D.; Dominic Carmon, S.V.D.; and Fernand J. Cheri III, O.F.M.

The Nov. 9 celebration began with the traditional parade of Black Saints, which wound its way through the neighborhood. The parade featured music and dance performances from the students of St. Katharine Drexel Prep, St. Augustine High School, St. Mary’s Academy and dancers from Mademoiselle Dwyn’s School of Dance in New Orleans.

Also taking part in the procession were the Knights of Peter Claver, who marched alongside the Sisters of the Holy Family, both of whom have long supported the Black Catholic community’s spiritual and social missions.

Father Tony Ricard, director of the OBCM, opened the service with a heartfelt reflection on the significance of his new role as director and the importance of the celebration.

“When Archbishop Aymond asked me to lead this ministry, I told him, ‘You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into,’” Father Ricard joked. “But God has blessed me immensely in this role, and today, I am blessed to be with you all as we participate in this Black saints celebration, honoring many of the men and women who walked this road before us.”

Following the parade, the congregation gathered for the prayer service and award ceremony. The prayer service, which included music by the Archdiocesan Mass Gospel Choir, concluded with the presentation of the Mrs. Sophie Aramburo Servant Leader Award nominees for 2024. The award honors individuals who embody the faith and dedication of the late Sophie Aramburo, former associate director of the OBCM. Over 30 servant-leaders were recognized for their commitment to faith and service.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who also spoke at the event, praised the resilience of the Black bishops being honored, noting their perseverance through the challenges of racism and adversity.

“We’re very blessed to have had them as our bishops, our friends, our shepherds and as men of faith,” he said. “They are truly an example to us by their continuing perseverance through the trials they went through just because of the color of their skin. They are men who have given themselves fully to the church and to God.”

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