Celebrating Black History Month!

Our Lady of Africa, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Dear Mission Family,

February is Black History Month. It is a national observance for remembering important individuals and events in the history of the African diaspora.  The remembrance originated in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. 

We are proud today to continue this legacy! We want to celebrate with our family and friends the contributions and gifts of our Black sisters and brothers.  With joy we can see how the Black Community impacts American society, Church and evangelization.

Let us in our Catholic Tradition raise consciousness and gently remind all people of every race to open their hearts to Christ and to remove racism from society and across the globe. 

Let us begin with ourselves, our attitudes and our lack of Christian charity. Let us pray to Christ to accept people as equals and coworkers in the field of evangelization. Allow the Spirit to fill us with grace so our actions and words reflect the dignity of all people as created in the image and likeness of Almighty God!

Visit us at www.blackandindianmission.org to learn about the witness of Black Catholics such as Mother Lange, Pierre Toussaint and Fr. Augustus Tolton to name a few.

Please pray to end racism! Education is a start!

Please consider making a donation to the Catholic Negro American Mission Board for Black Catholic Mission Schools. Go to DONATE on the homepage and help us to keep the doors open in our Black Catholic Mission Schools.

Let us stand in solidarity with all people. Let us offer prayers for reconciliation, healing and renewed relationships throughout society.

  -Fr. Paysse