African American, African, Caribbean Apostolate celebrates 40 years (PHOTOS)
“God is good,” calls out Father Emeka Okwuosa, S.D.V., director of the African American, African and Caribbean Apostolate.
“All the time,” parishioners respond.
“And all the time,” Father Okwuosa answers.
“God is good,” parishioners reply.
The call and response were echoed on Saturday, Oct. 8, throughout the celebration of the Archdiocese of Newark’s African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate 40th Anniversary at the Cathedral Basilica of Sacred Heart. The day also marked the 25th Anniversary of the death of Bishop Joseph Abel Francis, SVD, the first and only Black auxiliary bishop in archdiocesan history.
The Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was followed by a luncheon recognizing the Apostolate’s efforts in their mission to eradicate racism and oppression and acknowledging Bishop Francis’ work.
Father Okwuosa also took the opportunity, with so many gathered, to announce his departure from the Apostolate to return to his home in Nigeria. He has been the director for six years and a driving force for the success of the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate.
The Office of African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate, formerly known as the Office of Black Catholic Affairs, was established in August 1981 by Archbishop Peter Leo Gerety to fight “institutional racism in the Catholic Church.“. The African American, African & Caribbean Apostolate strives to discover and promote leadership among Catholics of African descent, empower young adults to embrace their cultural identity, and eradicate all forms of racism and oppression. Bishop Francis was the archdiocesan auxiliary bishop from 1976 to 1995. He worked tirelessly with the Apostolate, ensuring that its mission would spread through the community.
According to statistics from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as of 2016, there were 34,000 Black Catholics within the Archdiocese of Newark.
One of the original members of the Apostolate, Diana Maina, fondly remembers Bishop Francis. “He was a warm and friendly archbishop,” she said.
Several people were in attendance at the celebration, including New Jersey bishops, and an abbot, as were several groups like the Ghanaian Catholic Community, the Catholic Women Association, the Ladies and Knights of St. John, and the Ladies and Knights of St. Peter Claver.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin’s homily reflected on the Bishop’s story, legacy, and tenacity in fighting social injustices. Cardinal Tobin said Bishop Francis had strongly inspired him since he was a young priest living in Detroit. “His witness and his words changed hearts,” Cardinal Tobin said.
Ordained a priest in 1950, Bishop Francis worked to combat racial discrimination not just in his backyard but on a national level as well. In 1976, he was named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark where he championed the archdiocesan African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate until his retirement in 1995, according to an Apostolate newsletter on his life.
Bishop Francis was provincial superior of the Society of the Divine Word Western Province until 1973, when he became superior of the congregation’s Southern Province and was the primary author of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 1979 pastoral letter on racism, according to the newsletter.
He also served as president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men Religious and president of the Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. Bishop Francis died in 1997 at the age of 73.
Father Okwuosa called Bishop Francis a “happy warrior.” He said they were happy to celebrate the legacy of Bishop Francis “because his teachings are still alive in the Archdiocese 25 years after his death.”
In response to the news of Father Okwuosa’s leaving, Diana’s daughter Patrice Maina said: “He’s been a shepherd for our community and the whole Archdiocese of Newark. I understood, but it was a surprise that we were not going to have him around. Being a servant of the Lord is his calling.”
Following Mass, guests gathered at a lunch reception held at The Highlawn in West Orange.
Each African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate member were given a plaque, recognizing their dedication and work. Cardinal Tobin also received a plaque for his inspiring leadership and example to the Apostolate.
“This Apostolate is meant to bring us together, make us visible in the Archdiocese whatever activities, and makes us bring our gifts,” Diana Maina said.
No announcement has been made yet on Father Okwuosa’s replacement.
To learn the entire history of Bishop Francis, read the African American, African & Caribbean Apostolate’s IMANI Special edition newsletter.
To learn more, visit the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate ministry online here.
