In January 2004, the National Black Catholic
Congress' (NBCC) staff traveled to Nigeria with Notre Dame University
faculty and students, Most Rev. John Ricard, SSJ, Bishop of
Pensacola-Tallahassee, Beverly Carroll, Secretariat for African American
Catholics and other staff members from the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to participate in a part-two conference on the
“Call to Solidarity With Africa.”
The delegation from Nigeria set the tone and
enthusiasm for the first conference on the “Call to Solidarity With Africa”
which convened at Notre Dame University in Indiana. However, during the
second conference in Enugu, Nigeria at the Daughters of Divine Love
Conference Center, we learned much more about the climate of the church and
we discussed issues and concerns on how we can work together. When visiting
sites we witnessed the challenges the Church faces and the faithfulness of
our people. It was indeed a great experience.
Our feature articles for October/November 2004
include speeches presented at the "Call to Solidarity Conference" in Enugu
from Most Rev. John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, President, Catholic
Bishops' Conference of Nigeria; Most Rev. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji, Bishop of
Enugu; and Fr. Goddy Odigbo, CSSp.
The NBCC would like to share these speeches with
you to educate you on historical events, pressing challenges, and the "Call
to Solidarity With Africa."
We present the following articles:
