St. Benedict the Moor - Black Catholic Implementation Team
"No Ways Tired", was this year's theme for the Twenty-Second annual Archbishop Lyke Conference held in Greenville, South Carolina.
Named in honor of Archbishop James P. Lyke, O.F.M. for his significant influence on liturgy in the Black Catholic Church to enrich worship in parishes of its kind in the United States.
Angela Hardin, and Tina Hardin first time attendees represented the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska from St. Benedict the Moor Parish. Gary Johnson three time attendee also a member of St. Benedict the Moor in Omaha, Nebraska and St. Benedict the Moor parish in Savannah, Georgia. Angela, Tina, and Gary were called during the opening ceremony to represent the Elders as part of our churches history.
The Conference was full of music, praise and prayer. It provided a renewed spirit of the many gifts that we as Black Catholics bring to the Catholic Church. A feeling of pride and acceptance was felt by all. The Holy Spirit provided the comforted needed to just be yourself without apology.
One of the goals of the Lyke Foundation is providing a culturally rich atmosphere that moved and inspired all who were in attendance.
"This makes me feel good to be Black and Catholic and no one can take that away from me", says Tina Hardin.
The 3-day event included mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church, with Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune presiding. Following the Mass was a BBQ dinner provided by the members of the parish.
Next year's conference is scheduled for June 22-25, 2027, in New Orleans, LA. Goal is to double the number of attendees to include the Youth from the Archdiocese of Omaha.
