Last year, Cardinal Wilton Gregory became the first African American to participate in a papal conclave, which eventually elected Pope Leo XIV. While there have been African cardinals from the earliest days of the Church, Cardinal Gregory is the first U.S. citizen of African descent to wear the red cassock. The history-making prelate will concelebrate and preach at the diocese’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mass at 10 a.m. Jan. 17 at Xavier College Preparatory High School’s Chapel of Our Lady in Central Phoenix.
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Jari Honora named Louisianan of the Year for discovering Pope Leo XIV’s Black Creole roots
The 34-year-old historian and genealogist used his expertise on Louisiana Creoles to quickly uncover the ancestry of the first American pontiff.
In Memoriam: Jamie Theresa Phelps, 1941-2025
Jamie Phelps, director emerita of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, passed away on November 22. She was 84 years old.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Phelps received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Sienna Heights College (now University) in Adrian, Michigan, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois Chicago, a master’s degree in theology from St. John’s University in Minnesota, and a doctorate in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
A source of evangelization in a predominantly Black community
Archbishop Wenski installs new pastor as Holy Redeemer marks 75 Years
By Marlene Quaroni – Florida Catholic
In 1950, Holy Redeemer Parish opened the doors of its new church in the heart of Miami’s predominantly Black community of Liberty City.
“Holy Redeemer Church has been a beacon of light in this community for 75 years,” said Archbishop Thomas Wenski during the celebration Mass and installation of a new pastor at the church Dec. 14, 2025. “In the midst of crisis, suffering, violence, inequality and discrimination, the people of this neighborhood, indeed the whole world, are asking us, who profess to be followers of Christ, whether we are serious in our faith,” he said.
We Offer Our Heartfelt Condolences.
The National Black Catholic Congress expresses profound sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs. Leodia Gooch, the past Supreme Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary and former Executive Director of the National Black Catholic Congress. Please refer to the announcement for details on the forthcoming funeral arrangements.
