The Catholic Church has a wealth of teachings on various topics of modern importance, but most practitioners don't know—or reject—the teachings of their faith. Dr. Ronald Smith writes that we should all take a good look at doctrine while we still can. blackcatholicmessenger.org/cafeteria-cath…

"Details of the abuse allegation against [Fr. Herman]Porter have not been released, and the Diocese of Rockford did not provide additional information." blackcatholicmessenger.org/fr-herman-port…

Virginia's Black Catholic history is on display at a new museum exhibit in Richmond—where the state's first African-American parish opened 140 years ago. The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia will host the installation through November. blackcatholicmessenger.org/va-black-catho…

Catholic Harlem is notable for its storied history and for its present melding of cultures, liturgies, and languages—including from across the Black diaspora. Félix Cepeda writes that its survival is of the utmost importance for the local Church. blackcatholicmessenger.org/catholic-harle…

"While so many Catholic churches are closing in New York and around the United States, the Black Catholic treasure in Upper Manhattan should not be allowed to disappear. The music, the faith, and the community support us in our prayer and in our struggle for liberation."

A virtual program in August will train Black Catholic ministry leaders in restorative justice practices, especially the tradition of peacemaking circles drawn from Indigenous communities. A trio of African-American experts will head the three-week cohort. blackcatholicmessenger.org/black-catholic…

The "Conversations in Communion" program is the latest project from Catholic Mobilizing Network (Catholic Mobilizing Network), and priority registration for the new cohort is open through Friday.

Today is Assata Shakur’s birthday, and few people know she was once a Catholic. In the 1990s, she wrote to Pope St. John Paul II to educate him about the Black American condition and to advocate for the oppressed Wrote about it for Black Catholic Messenger 👇🏾👇🏾 blackcatholicmessenger.org/assata-shakurs…

Our Savior Church and School in Covington has unveiled a state historic marker noting its legacy as the first Black Catholic community in Northern Kentucky. The effort was spearheaded by Sr Janet Bucher, CDP, who has administered the parish for 33 years. blackcatholicmessenger.org/our-savior-cov…

The 81-year-old church was the ministry of the Covington Diocese's first Black priest and the former Our Savior High School was the alma mater of NCAA and NBA champion Tom Thacker.

Transitional deacon Franck-Lino Sokpolie, OFM Conv. will be ordained to the priesthood Saturday in Atlanta, the culmination of a journey that began while he was still in college. The Togolese-born friar graduated from the Oblate School of Theology in May. blackcatholicmessenger.org/franck-lino-so…

The 2025 graduation Mass of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies was held Friday evening at Xavier University of Louisiana, the culmination of the program's 46th year. Retired professor Dr. M. Shawn Copeland served as the commencement speaker. blackcatholicmessenger.org/ibcs-2025-comm…

St. Katharine Drexel Prep in New Orleans has received a $50,000 gift from a Catholic couple who saw an urgent need to support one of the city's most historic Black schools. The "transformational" gift from the Garibaldi family was announced in May. blackcatholicmessenger.org/garibaldis-dre…

Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns—the only African-American female delegate to the Synod on Synodality—will lead Boston College's annual celebration of the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, celebrating women's ministry and the legacy of the "apostle to the apostles". blackcatholicmessenger.org/dr-bailey-mann…

The National Black Catholic Men's Conference is set for Sept. 4-7 in New Orleans, where an ecumenical lineup of keynote speakers and workshop facilitators will seek to inspire faith and fellowship. Registration is open now for the annual event. blackcatholicmessenger.org/national-black…

A Josephite priest and two Black Catholic politicians will serve as keynote speakers, alongside breakout presenters covering a range of topics, from spirituality and social justice to mental health and men's leadership.

The "Angel of Harmony" statue is back at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in Missouri, following a vandalism attack that left the sculpture crushed and toppled last fall. Artist Wiktor Szostalo reinstalled his work in May after months of restoration. blackcatholicmessenger.org/angel-of-harmo…

An upcoming romance anthology comprises short stories set at historically Black colleges—including Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation's Catholic HBCU. Black Catholic bestseller Farrah Rochon is among the contributors, led by editor Ebony LaDelle. blackcatholicmessenger.org/hbcu-romance-a…

State Sen. Royce Duplessis is gaining in the polls for New Orleans' mayoral race, weeks after announcing a surprise campaign to succeed LaToya Cantrell. The Black Catholic attorney faces a broad candidate field, including city council VP Helena Moreno. blackcatholicmessenger.org/royce-duplessi…

The 42-year-old lawmaker and attorney leads Moreno in a new poll from newtralgroundz.com and GroundZereaux.com, with strong support from underserved wards in the majority-Black Crescent City.