Editor’s Note: The information in this article is from The National Black Catholic Congress’ website.…
March 30, 2026 | Catholic Standard
Pioneering priest who became the first African American to lead the Josephites remembered for his promotion of gospel music and priestly vocations from Africa
By Mark Zimmermann | Catholic Standard
As the Funeral Mass for Josephite Father William L. Norvel Jr. was about to begin at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2026, the Archdiocese of Washington Gospel Mass Choir sang “We’ve Come this Far by Faith,” a spiritual that in many ways reflected the pioneering African American priest’s journey in life.