Episode 6: Enigma
Listen as a podcast.
Synopsis
What is it like to be a young black Catholic here on our native soil? One conversation three years ago opened my eyes to the answer to this question. It also led to an entirely new retreat here on our native soil—ENIGMA. It was a poignant lesson to me about the power of listening.
Dig In Further
(questions and thoughts to help you, your parish, and your family have conversations around this episode.
Have you ever been surprised to discover that someone you know is Catholic? If so, why were you surprised?
Have you ever attended Mass in a parish that is predominantly African-American? If not, why do you think that is? If so, how did you experience the love of the Body of Christ there? What unique about the experience of worship?
Have you ever had the chance to hear someone who is black and Catholic tell you about their experience being “black” and “Catholic”?
If not, look for this rich opportunity and invite the Holy Spirit to help you to listen.
Look for a chance to attend mass at one of our parishes that is predominantly African American and get to know better our brothers and sisters on our native soil. Then together, we can dig in and help bring about renewal!
Sr. Thea Bowman
Sr. Thea Bowman is one of six African-American Catholics whose cause for canonization is currently under way. You can learn about all six here—
Growing up in Canton, Mississippi, Sr. Thea converted to Catholicism because of the inspiring example of the Sisters who taught her. She would later answer a call to religious life because of their loving example as well. Throughout her life she was recognized as only astonishingly close to God. She also had a special passion for promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity throughout the Church which she often fondly referred to her as her “home” or “family of families." In 1989, Sr. Thea was invited to address the bishops of the United States to share with them what it means to be “Black and Catholic.” Keep in mind that as she gave this address she was sitting in a wheelchair dying of cancer. She would die just a few months later. It is amazing the power, joy and vitality she still had despite that! Invite the Holy Spirit to help you to listen to her address.
Perhaps this is a video that you could watch with others in a small group, parish group or group of family members and friends. Perhaps it could help you to understand better the gift of our Black Brothers and Sisters in our Catholic Family and how we can better commune, collaborate, welcome, plan, celebrate and lead together with one another.