African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization Network
November 6, 2021
Fr. A. Gerard Jordan shared with the attendees of the Black Catholic History Month event at St. Joseph, Raleigh the importance of prayer to elevate the six African American candidates who are on the journey to sainthood, Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Servant of God Mother Mary Lange, Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton, and Servant of God Julia Greeley. He recommended the participants collaborate with their pastor and parishioners to establish a church guild committed to prayer to identify miracles to expedite the canonization journey of these holy men and women. He challenged the group to educate our youth about the African American Catholic experience and to take ownership in teaching and promoting our history throughout the year. Since Fr. Gerard’s presentation, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral is in the beginning stages of creating a Sister Thea Bowman Guild and St. Michael Catholic School, Cary, 6th – 8th graders participated in an essay contest focused on the life of Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton.
Father Gerard also spoke about how important it is as Black Americans to bring any challenges we have personally to the Eucharistic table to stay focused on the Love of Jesus Christ.
The day ended with the group sharing birthday wishes for Fr. Gerard.
