Episode 4: The Black Catholic Experience in Montgomery

Synopsis:

Father Harold Purcell, the founder of the City of St. Jude, came to Montgomery, Alabama in 1934. His dream was to create a “center for the religious, charitable, educational and industrial advancement of the Negro people.” And amazingly…despite being a Yankee…despite being white…and despite being a Catholic priest, he was able to do just that! In this episode, Roberta James, a long-time parishioner of St. Jude, helps us to explore this rich history. Then we sit down with a current legacy of this same history—Fr. Manuel Williams. Fr. Williams grew up in Montgomery, attended St. Jude High School and currently serves the Black Catholic community and beyond as pastor of Resurrection Catholic Missions.

Dig In Further:

Have you ever visited the City of St. Jude in Montgomery? How about the grave of Fr. Harold Purcell? Consider making a pilgrimage there sometime soon. Stand at Fr. Purcell’s grave, say a prayer and consider how you can build upon the powerful, Spirit-filled legacy he left here on our Native Soil.

How does God want to use you as an agent of “Communion” here on our Native Soil? How can God use you to break down walls that separate us here in the Body of Christ—racially, denominationally, socioeconomically and beyond?

Like Fr. Purcell, how can you use the gifts, talents and privileges he has given you to advocate for the poor and the minority in our midst today?