By John Kerr
More than 150 people gathered in song, dance and prayer on Feb. 15 at Queen of Peace Parish in Aurora for the regional conference of the National Black Catholic Congress. In accord with the theme of “Strengthened by the Spirit,” attendees were lifted by the praise and worship songs of the African Catholic Society Choir and M. Roger Holland II, Director of the Spirituals Project Choir.
“The music had the conference attendees in the mood for a great conference,” said Floyd Boyard, Grand Knight of the Knights of St. Peter Claver, Council #261 of Cure d’Ars Parish in Denver.
“Sheer joy and jubilation enveloped me as I entered the hall and saw so many beautiful and familiar black and brown faces in the parish center,” said Carolyne Richardson of Annunciation Parish in Denver. “I would be quite remiss not mentioning the euphoric faces of our supportive white friends also in attendance. There was widespread joy to be amongst so many ‘unicorns’ of the Archdiocese of Denver as Dr. Holland described us.”
“We were spellbound with profound pride as we watched the video of the entrance procession of so many black and brown faces of deacons, bishops and finally our beloved Cardinal Wilton Gregory during the National Black Catholic Congress XIII in 2023,” she added.
(Photos by James Baca)
Sr. Gail Trippett, CSJ, keynoted the conference with a talk entitled “Strengthen the Spirit for Turbulent Times and Beyond.” Speaking of both the turbulence in our society and personal lives, she said, “The power of prayer is to get quiet enough in our soul so we can hear the Spirit.” She explained that the place to find God is in the present, as God revealed to Moses when he shared his name, “I am who I am.” After accepting this truth, one can release the need to be elsewhere, both in body and mind.
Using various exercises, Sr. Trippett showed how we all may see the same thing, but what we perceive can be very different. She asked all to consider what messages each has accepted about who each is as well as how one considers the other, especially one who is difficult to love. Considering all these things, Sr. Trippett said, makes for good discernment, which may include waiting, quiet time, music, exercise, an act of service and prayer or meditation.
The breakout sessions included “Praying the Vision: The Rosary as a Means to Thrive” by Kathy Holmes and a history of the National Black Catholic Congress from its beginnings in 1889, its re-establishment in 1985 and its relevance for today by Barbara Wright-Ingram and Margaret Wright.
Seneca Holmes, who, along with Samaria Stovall gave a session on “Engaging Youth and Young Adults in Liturgy,” also reported on his experience from the last Congress in National Harbor and his opportunity to make the entrance procession video.
“When our youth see and interact with religious that look like them, it allows them to see a path forward for them to also consider the religious life,” said Maria Rose of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Denver. “This event was a beautiful reminder of that most important mission we had. The showcasing of the African Diaspora, from African Americans to native Africans from the various countries, reminded me of the beauty of God's creation and his love of the diversity of humanity. For myself, it renewed an interest in speaking with young people, encouraging them to explore the possibility of a vocation to the religious life, and renewal of faith and the universality of the Catholic Church with all its beauty and rich traditions. The event was Spirit-filled as well as educational, and very much needed at this difficult time in our country.”
“The program exceeded my expectations in every way!” exclaimed Kateri Williams, archdiocesan director of Black Catholic Ministry. “The enthusiasm surrounding the event clearly illustrates the desire for Catholics to have increased opportunities to come together in prayer, praise and worship in a cultural environment that acknowledges and celebrates the gifts of their heritage as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Denver delegation worked tirelessly to present a ‘mini-Congress’ program that replicated our experience at the National Black Catholic Congress, and all reports indicated that by God’s grace, we succeeded!”
The day concluded with Mass celebrated by Father Austin Okigbo from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with concelebrant Father Joseph Cao, pastor of Cure d’Ars Parish in Denver and accompanied by music from the Cure d’Ars Parish Choir.
