Recently, I had the privilege to witness the joy and talent of the young men at St. Augustine High School, a historically Black institution in New Orleans. Although my presence was virtual, I felt moved by every song they sang and the testimonies they shared. This appearance of the choir, known as the “Knights of Praise,” occurred in Waterloo, Canada, at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School.
While touring and visiting Canadian stops on the Underground Railroad, the choir shared their gifts in praise and worship. The presence of young men, ranging from the eighth to 12th grade, demonstrated that they were alive with faith, inspiring all those present. Negative narratives surrounding young Black men were completely shattered as these young men showed forth a rich legacy of U.S. Black Catholic history, as seen in their nearly 75-year-old school.
An energizing start to the day at St. Mary's High School. @Health4LifeKDM and I, along with students and teachers, joined Fr. Tony Ricard, along with 44 young men on their Knights of Praise Tour. Their songs were uplifting, and WCDSB students were singing and clapping along. pic.twitter.com/HKUvwGZGbw
— Tracey Weiler (she/her) (@traceyweiler) January 21, 2025
I can only begin to fathom their hours in rehearsal and preparation to successfully evangelize their peers at St. Benedict. I am reluctant to call it a “performance”, as the Knights of Praise are more than a typical Catholic school choir. In the words of the campus minister, Fr Tony Ricard, this was a form of prayer. Contemplative, with shouts of joy, giving glory to Jesus.
Prayer is, of course, the main artery by which we nurture and build a relationship with God. We as Catholics can often create a habit of routine prayers and neglect interior connection. However, seeing the enthusiasm and energy of these young men praying without ceasing in song was a reminder that young people are on fire for Christ. We should support and continue to nurture their faith.
Young Catholics, Gen Z specifically, no longer seem interested in weekly Mass attendance. Many will often disaffiliate with the Church for various reasons. Black Catholics leave at the highest rate, but have unique pastoral needs and patrimony within Catholicism. I am reminded that we, the people of God, belong to Christ and there is no distinction. My goal is not to promote exclusively Black Catholic worship spaces. However, that was a historical reality that occurred in the American South and elsewhere, ultimately producing beautiful spaces like St. Augustine High, founded in 1951.
While I was livestreaming the young men in the Knights of Praise, it was evident that they wanted to share the joy that they have found in Jesus in a Catholic environment at St. Augustine High. Their songs moved my heart and required my mind to contemplate the experience of serving God and walking in faith. Thus, their age did not restrict their worship. In fact, with the energy and love on display, everyone was surely moved to a deeper connection with God.
Such spontaneous forms of prayer are one of the unique aspects of the Black Catholic experience. This should be celebrated in each parish and young people should be formed in an environment where they actually learn the faith, theology, and contributions of Black Catholics. Their hard work and training clearly demonstrated them as leaders, brothers in Christ, and highly successful evangelizers.
It was great to experience prayer with @frtony and the Knights of Praise @StAugnola at @StBenedictCSS.
— Rolland (@rchids) January 22, 2025
Sorry about the typical Canadian winter weather 😁. pic.twitter.com/7cdtGEqQ9L
Sadly, Catholicism is dwindling throughout North America. The pews are emptying and church closures have become more frequent, especially in Black Catholic communities. When I saw these young men at St. Augustine pray through song, I felt a deep sense of the love they had for Christ resonate with the love I also have for Christ. This is transformative and can evangelize in such a unique perspective.
I cannot in this brief reflection provide the solutions that will see massive amounts of people “return” to the Church. However, expressions like that of the Knights of Praise can uplift the heart, and speak through song a love for Christ such that anyone in their presence must turn towards and focus on Jesus.
During their song and prayer, the choir led everyone present in a refrain: “I am a child of God.” I believe that this became a reminder to everyone, deepening their own understanding. The phrase accurately highlights our divine transformation as people connected to Jesus Christ. Servant of God Thea Bowman opined that her whole “Black self” was part of what she brings to the Church. Our Blackness is beautiful in communicating the Catholic faith and the Knights of Praise reminded me not only that prayer is powerful, but that Black boy joy in Jesus can work miracles.
Tamika Royes has fifteen years of experience in the social services sector in various roles. She has been a tireless advocate of justice causes, beginning in high school. She is currently pursuing a post-graduate certificate at Assumption University.
