We honor African men and women who were pioneers of the Faith and whose imprint is indelibly a part of who we are – all of us – as Christians.
The National Black Clergy Caucus
https://www.nbccongress.org/ of the United States initiated the recognition in 1990 and the Church has celebrated Black Catholic History Month since that time. November seemed appropriate because it holds special days for two prominent African Catholics: St. Augustine whose birthday is on November 13, and St. Martin de Porres whose feast day is celebrated on November 3. Three popes - Saints Victor I, Melchiades, and Gelasius I - were born in Africa and led the early church though much turmoil. There are also many Black Catholic saints (Monica of Hippo, Augustine of Hippo, Perpetua, and Felicitas to name a few) and leaders (such as Rev. Augustus Tolton and Daniel Rudd) whose actions and witnesses of faith helped shape the church into what it is today. We also celebrate “All Saints Day” and “All Souls Day” in November the perfect remembrance of our African ancestors in the church.