Black Catholics and diversity celebrated at special Mass

The greatest gift of the Church is its people. Everyone brings a different background and a unique set of gifts to the diverse community that is the Catholic Church. This was the message from Bishop Michael A. Saporito at the first of four special Masses and synod listening sessions in the Archdiocese of Newark to celebrate Black History Month.

“We’re sisters and brothers together because of our faith in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Saporito said during his homily at St. Anastasia Church in Teaneck on Feb. 6. “When faith touches our hearts, we can make a difference together. We can overcome those differences. We can appreciate the gifts that everyone brings to the table and make room for them all: the music, the experience, the cultures. That enriches our gathered experience. That’s our Catholic diversity. The Catholic faith is all around the world, and it’s for all people.”

This diversity was apparent in the colorful liturgical garments on display by Bishop Saporito and the other priests at Mass that day. Many of those in attendance also dressed in various vibrant colors, their personalities and culture on full display.

The music was spirited and lively, and members of the congregation clapped and danced. An energized gospel singer led a large choir with his arms raised. He swayed and sang from his soul, propelling the faithful forward in worship and praise.

Large historical banners were seen throughout the Church featuring pictures of venerable black Catholics whose lives were being celebrated.

“We organize Black History Month Masses to thank our ancestors and our brothers and sisters who have made it possible that we are standing here,” said Father Emeka Okwuosa, S.D.V., coordinator of the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate. “There is no way you can talk about the Catholic experience without talking about the black Catholic experience. The story of the Church has always been entangled or mixed up with every race, especially black Catholics.”

Father Emeka said that these black Catholics, including Sister Thea Bowman, Father Augustus Tolton, Mother Mary Lange, O.S.P., and others, have made great sacrifices and contributions to America.

“Unfortunately, for some time, their stories were not told,” he said. “So, this month of February is an opportunity to tell stories which are not just black stories, which are American stories.”

Bishop Saporito said It’s no secret that the Catholic Church has failed the black Catholic experience.

“But it doesn’t mean that it’s the end,” he said. “We’re here. Let’s do something. Let’s make a difference. Not tomorrow. We’ve been waiting for tomorrow forever. Now. And it’s got to start with a few inspired people. Let us dare to step out together.”

Bishop Saporito said synod listening sessions are an opportunity to walk hand in hand as sisters and brothers and rebuild the brokenness of shared life as the body of Christ. Let us toss out our fear and become people filled with awe, filled with gratitude, filled with a desire to do the Lord’s work here and wherever we find ourselves in life, he said.

“If people want to throw hate, they’re going to throw hate,” he said. “But here’s a place where we can find healing and hope. And if we find it here and share it with other people, they will come. They will come when they find people alive with hope, faith, and excitement. Let’s dare to invite others to know the cause of our joy that when people walk through the doors of our churches, it’s different from what they experienced out there. Let’s start the momentum from this gathering here and answer the call as disciples to know the Lord and to make Him known.”

After the Mass, about 75 people attended a synod listening session downstairs in the meeting hall at St. Anastasia Church. The Archdiocese of Newark is participating in a synodal journey with Catholics worldwide. Pope Francis last year launched a two-year “synod on synodality.” He called all Catholics to participate in the process of listening to the Holy Spirit and each other to discern the path the faithful must walk together.

For the full schedule of Black History Month Masses, click here.

Additional reporting by Sean Quinn.

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Featured image: The Archdiocese of Newark’s African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate celebrated Black History Month with a special Mass and Synod listening session at St. Anastasia Church in Teaneck with Bishop Michael A. Saporito on Feb. 6, 2022. (Photo: Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)