Mother Mary Lange was declared Venerable by Pope Francis on June 22, 2023. This declaration recognized her heroic virtues and her advancement in the process toward sainthood.
Timeline Stories
Thirteenth National Black Catholic Congress
Photo from the NBCC Archives
The Thirteenth National Black Catholic Congress gathering is held from July 20-23, 2023, in National Harbor, MD. His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory gave the Opening Keynote Address and celebrated the Opening Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Pastoral Plan was issued, along with an implementation guide, to provide ideas and inspiration to parishes for action over the next five years.
Wilton Gregory
Photo courtesy of Vatican Media
Pope Francis names Wilton Gregory cardinal, elevating him as the first African American to serve in that capacity.
Fr. Augustus Tolton Declared Venerable
©NBCC, 2019
Fr. Augustus Tolton is declared Venerable by Pope Francis.
USCCB General Assembly
During the November 2018 General Assembly, the U.S. Bishops approve Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism.
During the November 2018 General Assembly, the Bishops also approve Sr. Thea Bowman’s cause for canonization, after she is declared a Servant of God in June 2018.