Encouraging openness to the spirit and to the foundational transcendentals, Rana Irby offers a new poem, "Hands and Spirit", resolving to virtue in its short span of wordful meditation. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/hands-and-sp...

The leaders of the U.S. Catholic Church see a vision for growth in certain sectors of society, focusing attention and resources there in an attempt to keep the ship afloat. Fabian Adderley asks: Where does that leave Black Catholics? www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/who-still-ne...

"What if some Black Catholic communities are being abandoned not with malice, but through drift? Not because leaders do not care, but because the Church’s imagination is being captured by numbers, narratives of growth, and institutional survival."

Pope Leo XIV's recent comments on liberty inspire reflection on how America can live up to its original ideals in light of its complicated, anti-Black founding. Tamika Royes writes that this journey begins with acknowledging African-American resistance across North America. buff.ly/jDQllF9

Fr Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago has been newly accused of sex abuse, prompting his suspension pending an investigation. The 77-year-old activist priest denies the claim, having been the target of other recent allegations that were found not credible. buff.ly/FnFfY5P

Pfleger has led one of the nation's most vibrant Black Catholic parishes for 45 years, but has now been beset by five allegations of abuse in as many years—resulting in lengthy suspensions, controversial protests from his supporters, and effective exonerations.

Ascension Press will launch "Bible in a Year: Family Edition" in 2027 with Fr Josh Johnson, following up on the mega-popular podcast led by Fr Mike Schmitz. In an exclusive interview with BCM, Johnson shares his hopes for the new project. buff.ly/BfQJJtY

The reform of the liturgy begins with fixing this.

Fr Bryan Massingale has received the John Courtney Murray Award from the Catholic Theological Society of America, honoring his advocacy on racial justice and LGBTQ+ issues. He is just the second Black person to receive the nation's top Catholic theological honor. buff.ly/XZi537x

The Fordham University professor is one of the nation's few openly gay Catholic priests and is known for centering Christian social ethics as a widely sought-after public theologian.

Growth in artificial intelligence technology has brought great wealth to a select few, leaving the poor out to dry in an age of mega-billionaires. Dr. Ronald E. Smith writes that the trillions being spent on AI should instead be used to uplift those most in need. buff.ly/7W7tOGA

"In short, the rich will benefit from AI, but the poor largely will not... AI has created lots of millionaires, a handful of billionaires, and the world's first trillionaire, but will AI really make a difference in how most of the people on the planet live?"

Robert Boxie III has been consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, becoming the youngest Catholic prelate in the U.S. and the entire Western Hemisphere. The 45-year-old former Howard University chaplain is the first new African-American Catholic bishop in nearly a decade. buff.ly/ookON7d

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage concluded on Sunday, with a solemn procession drawing hundreds in downtown Philadelphia after a weekend of special events. Pope Leo XIV delivered a virtual address to the pilgrims, highlighting U.S. Catholic heritage and the primacy of Jesus. buff.ly/Ekp7yB9

Big crowd today for the consecration of new aux bishops for the Archdiocese of Washington—including Robert Boxie III, the first new African-American Catholic prelate in ~10 years. Livestream from the National Basilica: www.youtube.com/live...

Prayer service tonight in Washington anticipating the consecration of Auxiliary Bishop-elect Robert Boxie III, the first new African-American Catholic prelate in nearly a decade. Livestream from St. Augustine Church: www.youtube.com/live...

Sheila Hodges will succeed Nate Tinner-Williams as editor of Black Catholic Messenger and president of the BCM Foundation, effective August 1. The Harvard and Penn grad says she is "beyond excited" to help lead the publication into its next era. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/bcm-transiti...

After nearly six years at the helm of BCM, I am excited to announce that a new visionary leader, Sheila Hodges, will be taking the reins. Great things are soon to come! Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation: www.zeffy.com/en-US/donati...

ugh, Trump 2028, i fear...

A two-mile Eucharistic procession has begun from the Philadelphia Catholic cathedral to the Shrine of St. John Neumann. Livestream: www.youtube.com/live...

Black Gospel psalm used for the concluding Mass of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, courtesy of local African-American composer Tonya Taylor-Dorsey. Livestream: www.youtube.com/live/pcJ3BvZ...

Pope Leo XIV just addressed the concluding Mass for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage today in Philly. He began with an ode to the Spanish Catholics—including Afro-Spaniards—who reached Florida in the 1500s. Livestream: www.youtube.com/live/pcJ3BvZ...

Pope Leo XIV had been invited to celebrate this year's Independence Day on American soil, but declined the offer from the Trump White House—instead visiting a deadly migrant stopping point off the coast of Italy to mourn the ongoing loss of life and call for world peace.

LHAU.

A planned library at the former Holy Rosary Institute in Lafayette, Louisiana, could soon be named for the late Dr. Norman Francis, a pioneering educator and alumnus who led Xavier University of Louisiana for 47 years. A vote this month will decide on the historic recognition. buff.ly/tzVtBXV

The historic Black Catholic school complex—which educated future activists, educators, women religious, and countless others—will soon be the site of a new public institution energizing larger preservation hopes for the aging property.

BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV is addressing the nation live from the Vatican for his reception of the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center. Focusing his remarks on religious freedom and human dignity. Livestream: www.youtube.com/live...

Rabbi Jill Maderer began her remarks at Liberty Medal ceremony for Pope Leo XIV by calling attention to the slaveholding of George Washington nearby at the original President's House in Philadelphia. Livestream: www.youtube.com/live...

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker shouted out the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage during remarks at the ceremony bestowing the Liberty Medal on Pope Leo XIV. Pilgrims from across the country reached the city this week as their final stop. Livestream: www.youtube.com/live...

Bustling crowd this morning at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where Pope Leo XIV will receive the Liberty Medal, delivering a virtual message from the Vatican. Livestream: www.youtube.com/live...

A new poem points to the importance of Black Catholic identity in the face of historical erasure, championing Marian devotion in particular as a source of resistance and spiritual power. In her BCM debut, Zye E. Seema presents "I, too, sing Ave Maria". www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/i-too-sing-a...

The late Bishop Emerson Moore, the first and only Black prelate in the Archdiocese of New York, was a trailblazer who faced various pressures that led to his death from AIDS complications in 1995. A deep dive into his rise shows a Catholic leader battling injustice—and himself. buff.ly/7ZjlpVz

“I think he, Bishop Moore, was himself throughout it,” noted Bishop Emeritus J. Terry Steib of Memphis. “Even being a bishop, he was himself. He knew where he came from, he knew what he was about, and he kept that stance.”

The disrespect I almost posted before Serena started fighting back in this match. Lol #Wimbledon

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, has produced three Black Catholic bishops in its history, including one who will be consecrated in roughly a week. Dr. Alvin Schexnider writes that the parish, simply put, is a shining beacon of Black excellence. buff.ly/qbQAmv6

Catholics who believe this should refrain from receiving Communion. 🙏🏾

From Attorney General Anthony G. Brown of Maryland, one of the nation's Black Catholic top cops, excoriating the new Trump-aligned SCOTUS ruling that repeals key deportation protections.

Maryland State Del. Adrian Boafo has won the Democratic primary to succeed Rep. Steny Hoyer, his former boss on the Hill. The win likely secures a seat in the U.S. House for the 32-year-old lobbyist, whose campaign was flooded with cash from the Israel and crypto lobbies. buff.ly/TF3YHDk

The millennial Catholic lawmaker rode a wave of support from dark money groups (including AIPAC), his former boss Hoyer, and a host of endorsements from the Democratic establishment in Maryland and D.C.

32-year-old Darializa Avila Chevalier has defeated a nine-year incumbent, Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York, in the Democratic primary, sending shockwaves through the nation and party. The Afro-Latino Catholic lawmaker, 72, is chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. buff.ly/LuBb3V8

The nation's most prominent Black Catholic legislator has been ousted in a shock upset, losing to a socialist who has never served in elected office—but who received high-profile endorsements from @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, the @justicedemocrats.com, and the @demsocialists.bsky.social.

And there it is. The 32-year-old @demsocialists.bsky.social -backed challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier has defeated 9-year incumbent U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, an Afro-Latino Catholic and the sitting chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

As a person of color, and a Catholic,Pope Leo the 14th gets *all* the approval from me.

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical included an apology for the Vatican's role in slavery, sparking discussions about what it means for the Catholic Church to atone for its social sins. Tamika Royes writes that the pontiff's bountiful first step must be followed by further action. buff.ly/mXCQXCZ

Finding a sense of belonging in the Catholic Church has often been a struggle for African Americans, due to neglect and even active exclusion. Dr. Antoinette Reaves writes that the Golden Rule can teach a better way—if only the people of God will learn and listen. buff.ly/STPle1n

"We often ask why people are leaving the Church, especially young people... But we must be honest: Many are not leaving because they no longer believe. They are leaving because they no longer feel seen."

The history of what's now the US stretches back more than 500 years, including a Spanish Catholic settlement founded in the Deep South in 1526 and ending with a slave revolt. @jessehagopian.bsky.social writes that understanding the colony of San Miguel de Gualdape redefines freedom. buff.ly/MkhbIhO

Robert White has won the Democratic primary for D.C.'s seat in the US. House, portending a surefire win this fall to succeed Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton. The Black Catholic attorney, 44, began his career as a Norton staffer and is set to be the first new officeholder since 1991. buff.ly/Sn597NI

The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership's annual Congress convened this month, championing Christian witness against injustice amid widespread U.S. government overreach. Daryl Grigsby shares his experience at the event, held under the theme of "Holy Resistance". buff.ly/Je89Gnj

Juneteenth celebrations are underway, including Catholic events around the country marking the anniversary of African-American emancipation from chattel slavery. Our annual listing will show you where to find the best gatherings still to come. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/catholic-jun...