Black Catholic History Month is celebrated every November in the United States to honor the significant contributions of black Catholics to the Church and to remember the rich history, faith, and resilience of black Catholics in the face of historical challenges.
Initiated in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, the month brings awareness to the legacy and contributions of black Catholics, who have been part of the Church in the United States since colonial times. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate and remember the lives of black saints and other prominent figures who have greatly influenced the faith and have become models of holiness and dedication.
The month of November was chosen for several meaningful reasons. November begins with the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, honoring the communion of saints and those who have gone before us in faith. Traditionally, November is recognized as the month of St. Augustine of Hippo, an African bishop and one of the most influential theologians in Church history.
Finally, November 3 is the feast day of St. Martin de Porres, the first black saint from the Americas and a symbol of compassion and care for the marginalized.
Currently, none of the 11 saints associated with the United States are black, but there are six black Catholics, known as the “Saintly Six,” whose lives and work have set them on a path toward canonization — Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853), Venerable Henriette Delille (1813-1862), Venerable Augustus Tolton (1854-1897), Servant of God Mary Elizabeth Lange (1784-1882), Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman (1940-1991), and Servant of God Julia Greeley (1835-1903).
Special recognition must be given to Sister Thea, a pioneering Catholic religious sister, educator, and evangelist known for her remarkable contributions to the Catholic Church in the United States and her tireless advocacy for racial justice and cultural inclusivity.
Born Bertha Bowman in Yazoo City, Mississippi, and raised in Canton, she was the granddaughter of enslaved people. Her parents were Protestant, but she became Catholic at 9 years old after being inspired by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, who educated her.
In 1953, she joined this same religious order, becoming one of the first African-American members, and took the religious name “Thea,” meaning “of God.” She earned a doctorate in English literature and became a professor, using her education and cultural background to uplift the African-American experience within Catholic life and worship.
Sister Thea dedicated her life to bridging cultural divides and promoting the rich heritage of black spirituality in the Church. Her ministry included speaking, teaching, and performing, using music, traditional African-American hymns, and storytelling to inspire and connect people.
She emphasized that the Church should be a welcoming, inclusive home for all people, where everyone’s cultural identity is respected and valued. Sister Thea died in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and advocacy for justice. In 2018, the U.S. bishops opened her cause for canonization, designating her a Servant of God.
Sister Thea Bowman’s life and work continue to inspire efforts toward inclusivity, justice, and cultural celebration within the Catholic Church. These holy figures represent the diversity and depth of faith within the Catholic Church and provide examples of faith, resilience, and dedication to social justice.
Black Catholic History Month honors their legacy and encourages Catholics to celebrate and learn about the contributions of black Catholics to the Church’s mission of love, service, and unity.
