Black Catholic History Month Celebration Mass

Come and join in the celebration of Black Catholic History Month! On July 24, 1990, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States designated November as Black Catholic History Month to celebrate the long history and proud heritage of Black Catholics.

November not only marks a time when we pray for all saints and souls in loving remembrance, but also a time to recall the saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora. Notwithstanding the moral crimes of chattel slavery, the French and Spanish missionaries ministered to their free and enslaved African population within their respective colonies. This ministry laid the foundation for Black Catholic communities within the United States, i.e. Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Saint Augustine, Florida.

The celebration is organized by the Sacred Heart Council and Court of the Knights of Peter Claver, domiciled at St. Boniface Parish in San Francisco.

The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. is the largest historically African-American Catholic lay organization in the United States. The Order is named for St. Peter Claver, the Spanish Priest who ministered to African slaves. The Order was founded in Mobile, Alabama and is presently headquartered in New Orleans.

All are welcome to attend. A reception will follow the Mass. Free secure parking is available in the Mission Dolores School lot (entrance on Church Street).

TRUE OF FALSE?
1. Many Africans converted to Catholicism after arriving in the New World.
2. African who were already Catholics were sold as slaves in Latin American colonies.
3. African who were already Catholics were sold as slaves in North American English colonies.
4. Priests were instrumental in the passage of laws regarding humane treatment of enslaved persons.
5. Enslaved persons who were Catholics led major revolts and escapes throughout the Americas.