2026 Black Catholic History Month
“For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
OUR STORIES. OUR CHURCH. OUR FUTURE.
Honoring Our Black Catholic Heritage
Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary lives, unwavering faith, and enduring legacies of Black Catholic trailblazers whose witnesses continue to light our path:
Venerable Pierre Toussaint — Faith in Action & Generosity to All
Born into slavery in Haiti, he became a renowned hairdresser in NYC and a benefactor who sheltered refugees, funded orphanages, and helped build Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Venerable Mother Mary Lange — A Legacy of Faith and Education
Foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first sustained religious community for Black Catholic women, championing free education for African American children despite rampant prejudice.
Venerable Father Augustus Tolton — Hope in the Midst of Adversity
Born enslaved, he persevered through systemic rejection to be ordained in Rome as the first recognized African American priest, serving with deep pastoral warmth in Chicago and Illinois.
Servant of God Msgr. Bernard J. Quinn — Pastoral Courage and Racial Justice
A Brooklyn priest and fearless champion for civil rights who established St. Peter Claver Church and orphanages for Black children, standing firm against Ku Klux Klan violence.
Venerable Henriette Delille — Founded the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans to care for the sick, elderly, and uneducated, committing her life to serving the enslaved and free people of color.
Servant of God Julia Greeley — Known as “Denver’s Angel of Charity,” she pulled a red wagon through city streets at night to secretly deliver food, fuel, and clothing to poor families of all races.
Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman — A dynamic Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, scholar, and prophet who joyfully brought African American culture, spirituals, and worship into the heart of the Catholic Church.
Servant of God Martin De Porres Ward — A pioneering African American Franciscan priest and missionary who dedicated decades to pastoral ministry and youth mentorship, bridging faith and community outreach.
Bishop Guy Sansaricq — The first Haitian-born bishop in the United States, who served the Diocese of Brooklyn with immense heart, tirelessly advocating for immigrants and Haitian Catholic ministry.
Fr. Martin Carter — A dedicated Franciscan Friar of the Atonement and pioneer in urban ministry who fought fiercely for racial justice and Catholic education in Black communities across Brooklyn and beyond.
Fr. Jim Goode — Known as the “Dean of Black Preachers,” he founded the National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family and inspired generations through word and fellowship.
…and countless other holy men and women who paved the way.
Following Mass, join us for an inspiring Conversation on the Black Catholic Experience and Fellowship
Special Youth Track-Discovering the Journey of Bishop Robert P. Boxie III
A story of faith, identity, perseverance, and vocation.
(Bishop Boxie will participate through a special video message.)
ALL ARE WELCOME! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we gather in unity, praise, and joy.
- November 14 from 5:00pm - 10:00pm
- St Therese of LIsieux
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“For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
OUR STORIES. OUR CHURCH. OUR FUTURE.
Honoring Our Black Catholic Heritage
Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary lives, unwavering faith, and enduring legacies of Black Catholic trailblazers whose witnesses continue to light our path:
Venerable Pierre Toussaint — Faith in Action & Generosity to All
Born into slavery in Haiti, he became a renowned hairdresser in NYC and a benefactor who sheltered refugees, funded orphanages, and helped build Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Venerable Mother Mary Lange — A Legacy of Faith and Education
Foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first sustained religious community for Black Catholic women, championing free education for African American children despite rampant prejudice.
Venerable Father Augustus Tolton — Hope in the Midst of Adversity
Born enslaved, he persevered through systemic rejection to be ordained in Rome as the first recognized African American priest, serving with deep pastoral warmth in Chicago and Illinois.
Servant of God Msgr. Bernard J. Quinn — Pastoral Courage and Racial Justice
A Brooklyn priest and fearless champion for civil rights who established St. Peter Claver Church and orphanages for Black children, standing firm against Ku Klux Klan violence.
Venerable Henriette Delille — Founded the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans to care for the sick, elderly, and uneducated, committing her life to serving the enslaved and free people of color.
Servant of God Julia Greeley — Known as “Denver’s Angel of Charity,” she pulled a red wagon through city streets at night to secretly deliver food, fuel, and clothing to poor families of all races.
Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman — A dynamic Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, scholar, and prophet who joyfully brought African American culture, spirituals, and worship into the heart of the Catholic Church.
Servant of God Martin De Porres Ward — A pioneering African American Franciscan priest and missionary who dedicated decades to pastoral ministry and youth mentorship, bridging faith and community outreach.
Bishop Guy Sansaricq — The first Haitian-born bishop in the United States, who served the Diocese of Brooklyn with immense heart, tirelessly advocating for immigrants and Haitian Catholic ministry.
Fr. Martin Carter — A dedicated Franciscan Friar of the Atonement and pioneer in urban ministry who fought fiercely for racial justice and Catholic education in Black communities across Brooklyn and beyond.
Fr. Jim Goode — Known as the “Dean of Black Preachers,” he founded the National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family and inspired generations through word and fellowship.
…and countless other holy men and women who paved the way.
Following Mass, join us for an inspiring Conversation on the Black Catholic Experience and Fellowship
Special Youth Track-Discovering the Journey of Bishop Robert P. Boxie III
A story of faith, identity, perseverance, and vocation.
(Bishop Boxie will participate through a special video message.)
ALL ARE WELCOME! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we gather in unity, praise, and joy.