Cultural Diversity/Social Justice
The African American Commission sponsored sending 10 delegates to the National Black Catholic Congress XIII on July 21-23, 2023. The Theme was: "Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call To Thrive." Congress XIII was held in the Washington, DC area. The opening mass was held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. Cardinal Wilton Gregory was the main celebrant and delivered the homily. At the roll call, the Diocese of Buffalo attendees were jubilant during the roll call of the 3,000 who were in attendance. The workshops were enriching and lively. Attendees attended the workshop on "Lets Talk: Black Catholics are Thriving" by Sister Roberta Fulton, SSMN from our Diocese.
Overall, the Congress was a wonderful experience of prayer, faith sharing and many opportunities to connect with African American Catholics from around the country.
It was exciting to see young and adult African American Catholics share their faith stories. At the forefront of Congress XIII was the reflection on the six African Americans on the road to Sainthood. As Cardinal Gregory said, "They were exemplary and shed light the light of hope for us to thrive'. We were indeed inspired and will share with our Bishop Fisher our take aways. The African American Catholics are hopeful and we will be witnesses to what God has done in our lives, communities and with our faith. We are filled with a new zest to tell our stories and be active in the work of evangelization. We will do our part in writing the vision. The African American Catholics will pass the faith on and thrive.
