Black Catholic History Month

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 - Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023

Location: Nationwide
Contact: Rosalyn Pruitt
Phone: (501) 375-9617

Black Catholic Saints

Black Catholic History Month was initiated in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States. November was chosen because it holds two commemorative dates for prominent African Catholics: St. Augustine of Hippo, whose birthday is Nov. 13; and St. Martin de Porres, whose feast day is Nov. 3. This observance recognizes the long history and proud heritage of Black Catholics. There are many resources to explore this history, including: "On the Road to Sainthood: Leaders of African Descent" from the U.S. bishops' Office of African American Affairs; "In the beginning, there were Black Catholics," from U.S. Catholic; Black Catholic History Month resource pages from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Knights of Peter Claver and National Black Catholic Congress; a look at Black Catholicism in the U.S., particularly in the South from Catholic Extension; and statements from the U.S. bishops, including “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism." Read Arkansas Catholic to learn about the history of Black Catholic schools in our state. For more information, contact Rosalyn Pruitt, secretary for the Diocesan Council for Black Catholics, at (501) 375-9617.