Inside the Core
Friday, February 7, 2025
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Rev. Pritchett
As part of Black History Month, University Core is excited to co-sponsor with Africana studies and to host a presentation on the history of Black Catholics in America led by Rev. Forrest Pritchett of Africana studies, the MLK Leadership Program, and Core faculty member. The event will be held in person at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Febuary 13 in the Core Center, Mooney 339, with light refreshments and also available via Microsoft Teams.
Rev. Pritchett has this to say about this special event:
"In the spirit of Black History Month, the Core program and Africana studies will present a unique exploration into the relationship between the Catholic Church and its parishioners of African descent.
A history of the journey of the Black Catholic community in North America from the 1500s to the present will be examined. Their journey through difficulties and triumphs, as well as their impact on the church liturgy, academic scholarship, organizational structure and the engagement of the church in social justice and the Black experience, will be examined.
I am honored to begin to share this portion of this precious story, not because it’s the scholarly thing to do but because it is a part of my "lived experience" and some of these dignitaries became mentors of mine.
This is a story that begins in the 16th century with antecedents from the 15th century. This is the story of the first Black Catholic congresses that were first held in the 1800s. This is the story and history of the first Black bishop to the Archdiocese of Newark, Joseph E. Francis, whose brother was the president of the only Black Catholic university in the United States. This is the story of the emergence of African American candidates for sainthood in the 20th and 21st centuries.
In November, we began with a tribute to the Catholic African saints. During this Black History Month, we continue the journey."
The Black Catholic movement reinvigorated the church with liturgical innovation, new preaching styles and activist scholarship. — Matthew J. Cressler, Zócalo Public Square for Smithsonian Magazine.
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Cardinal Gregory
A mass will be held on Sunday, February 16 at Sacred Heart Basilica in honor of Black History Month and Black Catholics in America. Cardinals Tobin and Gregory will lead the event, and Cardinal Gregory will be the guest homilist.
If you consider joining us in the continued celebration click this link.
Categories: Faith and Service