Review: 'A Symphony of Tiny Lights' illuminates Dr. John H. Francis, eco-justice pioneer
A new short doc on a planet-walking environmental activist—who once considered the monastery—does right by its subject and his love for the earth.
Activism
'Cancer Alley' polluter wins appeal in Louisiana court
The ruling is one of multiple recent blows to environmental protections in a region that sees sky-high cancer rates due to airborne carcinogens.
Assata Shakur wrote to the pope 25 years ago. Her letter still resonates.
Efran Menny resurfaces an oft-forgotten letter from a famed Black activist (and lapsed Catholic) to John Paul II, urging him to act for Black liberation.
Larry Payne, Houston activist and churchman, dead at 73
Payne first envisioned the creation of the National Black Catholic Congress and was the first lay or Black vicar in the U.S. Catholic Church.
Baltimore group meets with Vatican officials to urge canonization of U.S. Black Catholics
The activists have long called for an exception to the notably unwieldy canonization process—which has yet to produce a single Black American saint.
A call for intercession: the need for healing from persisting racism
Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg recounts a racist incident this year involving a Philadelphia Catholic school, chronicles the response, and urges the Church to act.
Ending the death sentence: Black maternal health and the Catholic Church
Efran Menny breaks down the ongoing crisis of medical racism and the Catholic call to support Black mothers in need.
Black Catholic couple honored for work on Underground Railroad
After gaining freedom in Louisville, Kentucky, James Madison and Catherine “Kitty” Smith harbored Black fugitives on their farm in Southern Indiana.
Holy Rosary & St. John to celebrate 125 years in Columbus as closure looms
The historic Black Catholic parish has been slated for closure since May, though the bishop—who has faced mounting controversy—has yet to issue an official decree.
'Not the way forward': Amanda Gorman speaks out on Scholastic segregating banned books
The bestselling Black Catholic author is one of dozens whose works are now merely optional in the company's popular elementary school book fairs.
Malcolm X: a master evangelist ‘by any means necessary’
Dcn Tim Tilghman extols the virtues of Malcolm X, a legendary activist who modeled his life's work on the Biblical saints.
St. Benedict Blues Fest set for Oct. 20-22 in St. Augustine, Fla.
The annual event benefits the rectory restoration fund for St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, a historic Black parish founded by the Josephites.
Hughes Van Ellis, Catholic Tulsa massacre survivor, dead at 102
The Denver resident was an infant refugee of the 1921 White mob attack in Oklahoma and was party to a lawsuit against the government at the time of his death.
Black Catholics are a people on the move.
Author Daryl Grigsby tells his experience of Black Catholic excellence, and how the holy Black men and women of the faith inspire him to press on.
The National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice: A synodal moment in Minnesota
Hundreds gathered in downtown Minneapolis to discuss how Catholics can help heal harm in the modern world, though the conference speakers brought most of the diversity.
Our Lady of Charity in Brooklyn to celebrate 120th anniversary
One of Brooklyn's most historic Black Catholic parishes is marking its anniversary, including latter decades of lively liturgy and lay leadership.