Throughout November, we celebrate National Black Catholic History Month in the United States, honoring the rich history, faith, and lasting contributions of Black and African American Catholics to the life of the Church.
By the grace of God, there are currently seven African American Catholics on the path to canonization, with the most recent cause opened in 2022 for Servant of God Friar Martin Maria de Porres Ward, a convert to the Catholic faith who was baptized at nearby St. Augustine Church in Washington. He later became the first African American Conventual Franciscan in North America and went on to serve in missions throughout Brazil.
We thank God for the vibrant Black and African American Catholic community in the Diocese of Arlington and for the faithful witness and dedicated service of our Black and African American Catholic priests, clergy and lay faithful.
May this month be an opportunity to honor their heritage, celebrate their contributions to our Church, and ensure that their stories of faith and perseverance continue to be shared with future generations.
