National Black Catholic Congress
Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive

By Kanobia Russell-Blackmon  |  The Catholic Compass  |  Sept/Oct 2023

The Black apostolate came together for the 13^th National Black Catholic Congress at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Washington, an estimated 3000 Catholics from over 80 dioceses across the U.S., including the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, participated in Congress XIII from July 20 – July 23. The theme, “Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive,” was inspired from the Book of Habakkuk 2:2-4.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington and America’s 1^st African American cardinal, welcomed the faithful to what he called a family reunion. He expressed how wonderful it was to be together to praise God and to fellowship. In speaking about the benefit of Congress, Cardinal Gregory stated, “It is about having this dedicated time to listen and to share with one another as we thank and praise God for his innumerable blessings, grace, and mercy.” The people also received a warm welcome from Auxiliary Bishop Roy Campbell, Jr of Washington, the president of the National Black Catholic Congress and Cardinal-designate Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S.

In his keynote address, Cardinal Gregory asked those gathered to reflect on the “vision we have for our homes, our communities, our parishes and our Church.” Focusing on the theme for Congress XIII, the cardinal stated, “we write our vision to thrive with each act of love.” He highlighted the six courageous U.S. Black Catholic candidates for sainthood, urging the participants to look to them for guidance and hope. In this time of the Eucharistic Revival, the Cardinal stressed the importance of keeping the Eucharist as our foundation.

Cardinal Gregory continued his message of hope at the opening Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. He was joined by Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston and at least 20 of his brother bishops. Cardinal Gregory spoke about the importance of visionaries and how “they are the lead agents for change.” The Black apostolate was challenged to follow the vision of the Holy Father and “share that vision that will bring true healing and lasting peace to our worldwide family.”

The purpose of the National Black Catholic Congress is for Catholics, of all ages, to deepen their relationship with Christ and to share the good news within their respective parishes and communities. Over the course of the gathering, attendees participated in morning prayer and worship, heard from inspiring speakers and participated in breakout sessions with dynamic presenters. Topics included evangelization, vocations, synodality, spiritual healing and growth.

The six-person delegation from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee included Jennifer Kennedy of St. Joseph in Pensacola and Rosetta Durant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Kennedy, a first-time attendee, said her key takeaway from Congress was that Black Catholics are a strong force. “Seeing all of us together, along with the black clergy, worshiping, encouraging and supporting one another, was an inspiring vision and a reminder that the Black Catholic faith is alive in a very powerful way.”  

Durant expressed she was grateful for the “mountaintop experience” of Congress XIII. “It enhanced my attitude of gratitude for my Catholic faith and the Church.” Durant added, “I knew going up the mountain was a time to encounter shared experiences of Christian believers; to listen, learn, be inspired, network and come down to move forward as a servant of God.”

The National Black Catholic Congress concluded with inspiring words from Bishop John Ricard, the bishop emeritus of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Bishop Ricard preached that “the Holy Spirit will empower us to do wonderful things” like the six U.S. Black Catholics being considered for sainthood. He then issued this challenge to the faithful, “Don’t let the fire go out.” “You got to poke the flame and stir it up and serve your parish.”

Since returning from Congress, Kennedy is already putting what she learned into action at her parish. Inspired by a session on persons with disabilities, she reached out to the leader of the youth ministry at St. Joseph. “I plan to incorporate a youth group for young adults with disabilities.”

The first Black Catholic Congress, organized by Daniel Rudd, a Black Catholic journalist, was held in Washington, D.C. in 1889. The 5th Congress, held in Baltimore in 1894, was the last one for 93 years. Bishop Ricard was instrumental in relaunching the National Black Catholic Congress in 1987 which was held at Catholic University of America in Washington. He served as President from its inception until April 2019. The National Black Catholic Congress is held every five years.