Black Catholic gatherings were inspirational

You recently participated in two conferences of special interest to Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of New Orleans: The annual meeting of the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver in New Orleans (July 13-19) and the National Black Catholic Congress in Washington, D.C. (July 20-23). What impressed you about both gatherings?

The Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of Peter Claver made history because for the first time, they included the juniors (girls and boys) in their gathering, and that added a wonderful intergenerational component to the conference. I was present for the opening Mass with Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the cardinal archbishop of Washington, D.C. The conference was very well attended and had a great spirit. Their conference was followed almost immediately by the National Black Catholic Congress, and, again, there was great spirit. More than 3,000 people from around the country attended. They filled the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is the largest Catholic church in North America. Cardinal Gregory was the celebrant and homilist for the opening Mass, and there were many concelebrating bishops from around the country.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans was well-represented in Washington.

Yes, we had close to 100 people, which was one of the largest groups from around the country. I’m very grateful to all those who were there and also to Dr. Ansel Augustine, the director of our Office for Black Catholic Ministries, for coordinating the trip and making it possible. The keynote addresses were very good, and there were also many breakout sessions dealing with specific things within the Black Catholic Church community. I found it to be a very rich and rewarding convention.

What do you appreciate the most about Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of New Orleans?

I think their desire to incorporate their culture into the liturgy is a blessing. Many people go to Mass at Black Catholic parishes because they are spiritually fed. Black Catholics are proud of their heritage and want to build on that heritage.

Every week at Mass, we recite our Family Prayer that calls for an end to violence, murder and racism. Why is that important?

The genesis of that prayer goes back to a reflection I had on the Jan. 8 anniversary of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and her deliverance of the people of New Orleans from the British army in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. Really, if you look at our world today, our new battle of New Orleans is against violence, murder and racism. Many Black Catholics in our archdiocese have been very helpful as we continue to look within our own archdiocese for ways in which we can address racial and social equality. The Black Catholic community is very much a part of that conversation and has offered very helpful insights. I pray that they remain dedicated to that ongoing struggle for equality, and I thank them for their steadfastness in the faith.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].