Black Catholics

The Latest

Photo of a portrait of Mary Seacole (c.1869), by Albert Charles Challen (original held by the National Portrait Gallery in London.) Public domain.

‘It meant a great deal to her’: the Catholic faith of the woman voted ‘greatest Black Briton’

Jul 8, 2020

She was voted the “greatest Black Briton.” A statue of her stands opposite the Houses of Parliament. Her heroic life... Read more

A crucifix at the Basilica of St Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

Rebuilt from the ashes: The story of an American basilica

Jul 4, 2020

By Adelaide Mena

An immigrant parish, burnt down, with only the crucifix remaining. A parish rebuilt, transformed and a key part in giving... Read more

Abraham Lincoln. Public domain.

Why Abraham Lincoln held a White House fundraiser for this black Catholic parish

Feb 12, 2020

By Jonah McKeown

When black Catholics in DC wanted a church, Abraham Lincoln helped raise the money. Read more

Venerable Augustus Tolton.

Fr. Augustus Tolton, former African American slave, advances toward sainthood

Jun 12, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Fr. Augustus Tolton advanced along the path to sainthood Wednesday, making the runaway slave-turned-priest one step closer to being the... Read more

Sister Thea Bowman. Courtesy of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

Sr Thea Bowman's cause for canonization could open at US bishops' meeting

Nov 11, 2018

By Mary Farrow

Sr. Thea Bowman was the first African American woman to address the U.S. bishops' conference. Most likely, she was also... Read more

Photo courtesy of Xavier University

The historically black Catholic university founded by a saint

Feb 12, 2018

By Mary Farrow

Of the 106 historically black colleges in the United States, only one is Roman Catholic - Xavier University of Louisiana.  Read more

Julia Greeley.

Former slave Julia Greeley first to be buried at Denver’s cathedral

Jun 12, 2017

By Aaron Lambert

In what was a historic first for the Archdiocese of Denver, the exhumed remains of a potential saint were laid... Read more

This 200 year-old black Catholic school is a 'gem' in Baltimore's inner city

Feb 21, 2017

By Adelaide Mena

Nestled among the mix of shiny new storefronts, foreclosed row houses, parks, and public housing, lies what locals call the... Read more

Julia Greeley.

For the ex-slave who blessed Denver, a path to sainthood opens

Dec 18, 2016

Julia Greeley was born into slavery in Hannibal, Missouri. But her cause for sainthood was opened on Sunday in Denver,... Read more

Why this bishop thinks moral leadership will bridge the racial divide

Aug 11, 2016

With the second anniversary of riots in Ferguson, Mo., this week, Bishop Edward Braxton of Belleville has noted the downfalls... Read more

The painful, resilient history of America's black Catholics

Feb 24, 2016

By Adelaide Mena

For Fr. Stephen Thorne, Black History Month is not only a chance to remember the struggles faced by the African-American... Read more

Portrait of Father Augustus Tolton. Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Scholar recounts black Catholics' rich history

Mar 29, 2014

By Kevin J. Jones

Black Catholics across the globe have dedicated their talents and their lives to their faith since earliest days of the... Read more

Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK was Christ-inspired, says head Knight of Peter Claver

Jan 20, 2013

By Kevin J. Jones

Martin Luther King Day is a time to promote racial harmony in America and honor the slain civil rights leader... Read more