In this heartfelt reflection, Jocelyn DuPont shares how her time at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana deepened her faith, expanded her understanding of Black Catholic history and theology, and welcomed her into a lifelong community. buff.ly/FtEctUX

My Trip to “The Institute”

Jocelyn DuPont reflects on her transformative experience at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.

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St. Cecilia's in Detroit, one of the nation's best-known Black sports sites, has netted a $5M donation for renovation from LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The long-dormant site was known as a breeding ground and meeting point for top basketball talent in the late 20th century. buff.ly/JPvCOOk

Dr. M. Roger Holland II has been named a Pastoral Musician of the Year by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, becoming the fourth African American to receive the honor. The Denver professor's Mass settings and hymns are used in Black Catholic parishes across the U.S. buff.ly/0OxUVHL

"One wonders what is in store for them? When the time comes will they be ready? For the fate that befalls them." (From "FATE": a poem by Dorothy Dempsey.) www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/poem-fate/

The interview comes just months after the pope used his maiden encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas", to apologize for the Vatican's role in the slave trade, and one year since he first publicly acknowledged his African-American ancestry.

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 6d ago

In a landmark new interview, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged enslaved persons and slaveholding among his ancestors, which genealogists discovered shortly after his election in the 2025 conclave. In comments to NBC News, the pontiff also teased a forthcoming visit to the United States. buff.ly/vflRxDe

In a landmark new interview, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged enslaved persons and slaveholding among his ancestors, which genealogists discovered shortly after his election in the 2025 conclave. In comments to NBC News, the pontiff also teased a forthcoming visit to the United States. buff.ly/vflRxDe

The historic meeting, held just an hour from the founding locale of the Ladies Auxiliary, saw a host of Catholic prelates participate in liturgies and other celebrations, including one of the Knights' newest members: the Black Catholic auxiliary bishop Robert Boxie of Washington.

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · last wk.

The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary hosted their 110th national convention this month in Houston, uniting ~1,000 members for fellowship, fundraising, and the business of the order. The six-day gathering featured the centennial celebration for the women's division. buff.ly/gOU8W2n

The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary hosted their 110th national convention this month in Houston, uniting ~1,000 members for fellowship, fundraising, and the business of the order. The six-day gathering featured the centennial celebration for the women's division. buff.ly/gOU8W2n

The pursuit of a superintelligence through AI has thus far featured gross exploitation and disregard for the basic principles of human dignity. Briana Jansky writes that we must change course as a society before it's too late. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/building-bab...

A new book covers the life of Sr Sandra Smithson, a pioneering Black Catholic who resisted religious racism and helped revolutionize education for the underserved in Nashville and beyond. Author Theresa Laurence spoke with BCM on why this biography is needed now more than ever. buff.ly/A1r52Xq

“Evangelization today cannot simply mean inviting people back to what once was,” said the NBCCC president, Fr Kareem Smith, emphasizing the need for embodied work. “The Church has enough documents. What she needs are disciples who are willing to act.”

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 2w ago

The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus held its convocation this week, bringing nearly 50 members to Houston for fellowship, encouragement, and celebration. Among the highlights was celebration of and with their own new prelate, Auxiliary Bishop Robert Boxie of Washington. buff.ly/rF7mrEJ

The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus held its convocation this week, bringing nearly 50 members to Houston for fellowship, encouragement, and celebration. Among the highlights was celebration of and with their own new prelate, Auxiliary Bishop Robert Boxie of Washington. buff.ly/rF7mrEJ

Cam Obi, a music producer known for working with Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA, has been teasing his debut album for years, with excitement reaching a fever pitch. What most fans don't know, however, is that he is also now Catholic and excited to share his faith. buff.ly/jg9F2lW

An autopsy of Nolan Wells, the Mississippi Black Catholic teen who died under mysterious circumstances on July 4, has found his cause of death to be "undetermined". The independent examination ordered by the family noted missing body parts and the need for further investigation. buff.ly/qYwUBOA

"What we once thought was to be defined primarily through marriage and biology is now defined by models that center partnership and shared caregiving." #family

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 2w ago

As the meaning of family shifts rapidly, the traditional model is increasingly controversial or, to many, markedly obsolete. Efran Menny writes that while cultural differences must be respected, Catholics can present a meaningful vision that stands the test of time. buff.ly/uCwxUyk

I hope this article gets attention. It proposes an answer to the “why” of what we have been seeing for a couple generations.

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 3w ago

The leaders of the U.S. Catholic Church see a vision for growth in certain sectors of society, focusing attention and resources there in an attempt to keep the ship afloat. Fabian Adderley asks: Where does that leave Black Catholics? www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/who-still-ne...

"It is far more than a discussion of the promise and perils of [AI]. In the text, the pope summarizes the richness of Catholic social teaching documents, and highlights the themes of human dignity, the common good, the universal destination of goods, solidarity, and subsidiarity."

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 2w ago

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical—titled "Magnificent Humanity" in English—centers themes of disarming words, peace through justice, shifting perspectives, healthy realism, and dialogue. Daryl Grigsby's reading of the new text inspired reflection on the Black Catholic experience. buff.ly/ct8DkL5

"What is evident in plenty of stories is that people in nontraditional models are not rejecting family, but are instead searching for meaningful support and stability amid day-to-day struggles."

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 2w ago

As the meaning of family shifts rapidly, the traditional model is increasingly controversial or, to many, markedly obsolete. Efran Menny writes that while cultural differences must be respected, Catholics can present a meaningful vision that stands the test of time. buff.ly/uCwxUyk

As the meaning of family shifts rapidly, the traditional model is increasingly controversial or, to many, markedly obsolete. Efran Menny writes that while cultural differences must be respected, Catholics can present a meaningful vision that stands the test of time. buff.ly/uCwxUyk

For Black Americans, one's hair can be a conundrum, a calling card, or even a creative way of displaying cultural pride. Tulio Huggins, who came of age in mostly non-Black environments, writes that wearing a durag unlocked a crucial spiritual node amid personal testing. buff.ly/8FLnxaA

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical—titled "Magnificent Humanity" in English—centers themes of disarming words, peace through justice, shifting perspectives, healthy realism, and dialogue. Daryl Grigsby's reading of the new text inspired reflection on the Black Catholic experience. buff.ly/ct8DkL5

Encouraging openness to the spirit and to the foundational transcendentals, Rana Irby offers a new poem, "Hands and Spirit", resolving to virtue in its short span of wordful meditation. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/hands-and-sp...

"What if some Black Catholic communities are being abandoned not with malice, but through drift? Not because leaders do not care, but because the Church’s imagination is being captured by numbers, narratives of growth, and institutional survival."

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 3w ago

The leaders of the U.S. Catholic Church see a vision for growth in certain sectors of society, focusing attention and resources there in an attempt to keep the ship afloat. Fabian Adderley asks: Where does that leave Black Catholics? www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/who-still-ne...

The leaders of the U.S. Catholic Church see a vision for growth in certain sectors of society, focusing attention and resources there in an attempt to keep the ship afloat. Fabian Adderley asks: Where does that leave Black Catholics? www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/who-still-ne...

Pope Leo XIV's recent comments on liberty inspire reflection on how America can live up to its original ideals in light of its complicated, anti-Black founding. Tamika Royes writes that this journey begins with acknowledging African-American resistance across North America. buff.ly/jDQllF9

Pfleger has led one of the nation's most vibrant Black Catholic parishes for 45 years, but has now been beset by five allegations of abuse in as many years—resulting in lengthy suspensions, controversial protests from his supporters, and effective exonerations.

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 3w ago

Fr Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago has been newly accused of sex abuse, prompting his suspension pending an investigation. The 77-year-old activist priest denies the claim, having been the target of other recent allegations that were found not credible. buff.ly/FnFfY5P

Fr Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago has been newly accused of sex abuse, prompting his suspension pending an investigation. The 77-year-old activist priest denies the claim, having been the target of other recent allegations that were found not credible. buff.ly/FnFfY5P

Ascension Press will launch "Bible in a Year: Family Edition" in 2027 with Fr Josh Johnson, following up on the mega-popular podcast led by Fr Mike Schmitz. In an exclusive interview with BCM, Johnson shares his hopes for the new project. buff.ly/BfQJJtY

The Fordham University professor is one of the nation's few openly gay Catholic priests and is known for centering Christian social ethics as a widely sought-after public theologian.

Black Catholic Messenger@blackcatholicmessenger.org · 3w ago

Fr Bryan Massingale has received the John Courtney Murray Award from the Catholic Theological Society of America, honoring his advocacy on racial justice and LGBTQ+ issues. He is just the second Black person to receive the nation's top Catholic theological honor. buff.ly/XZi537x