African American & Black Catholic Resources

This document was not published during the life of Pope Pius XI as he died before completing this text in full. The content included a denunciation of antisemitism, racism and persecution of minority groups. Due to it not being officially published, it is sometimes referred to as "The Hidden Encyclical" or "The Lost Encyclical." It was authored by three Jesuits under the direction of noted African American advocate, John LaFarge. SJ. The draft text remained relatively unknown until published in 1995 in France (by Passelecq and Suchecky under the title L’Encyclique Cachée de Pie XI) and in 1997 in English as: "The Hidden Encyclical of Pius XI."

This encyclical has been widely lauded as the "Magna Carta of Catholic Social Justice" and a document that focused upon individual rights, the proper conduct of nations, but also looking at the inherent rights of human dignity, equality to all people including an emphasis on the rights of women. A key document endorsed by the United Nations. (April 11, 1963)

This encyclical is one of the constitutions that resulted from discussions among delegates to the Second Vatican Council and includes chapters that cover important aspects of "The Dignity of the Human Person," "The Community of Mankind," and "The Fostering of Peace and the Promotion of a Community of Nations" among other highlights of building on the essential concepts of Social Justice (December 7, 1965)

This encyclical encourages praying the rosary especially during the month of October each year in honor of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary as a hope for peace in the world. This particular document was authored during the Vietnam War and called upon fair treatment of Asians, but all people around the globe to end the production and use of nuclear arms, racism, revolution, segregation and ". . . the slaughter of innocent people . . . " among other evils in the world. (September 15, 1966)

This encyclical authored by Pope Paul VI connects to the subject of Catholic Social Teaching and how economic success should impact positively on all of society not just a privileged few. (March 26, 1967)

The materials in this collection span the years between 1934 and 1997, and includes much of Bishop Francis' own writings for his speeches and sermons. Race and religion is a frequent topic of his pieces, and the work done for his pastoral letter on racism, "Brothers and Sisters to Us," is included. There are also religious pamphlets and newspapers which feature articles by or about Bishop Francis.

This treatise was published by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and sponsored through the vision of St. John Paul II and focused on Catholic Social Teaching that touches directly on the Mission of Christ, Social Rights, Human Rights, Individual Work and Economy, Political Life, Environmental Issues, the Promotion of Peace and other aspects of fairness in society overall. The conclusion is entitled "For a Civilization of Love".

This site highlights a number of important and relevant quotes from major documents and figures within the Catholic Church that address the topic of Race and Racism

U.S. Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter on Racism (1979)

Historical article authored by Sergio Paganoy

Site created by "In A Word" - Monthly Publication for African American Catholics. The Media Production Center is a ministry of of the Divine Word Missionaries in the Southern United States. The Divine Word Missionaries is a worldwide missionary group of priests and brothers. Founded in 1875 the SVD's (as they are called) opened the first seminary for African American men in 1919.

Dr. Tia Noelle Pratt, Curator - This syllabus is a collection of resources related to Black Catholics in the United States. It is intended for academics, journalists, educators, diocesan institutions, parishes, congregations of women and men religious, and the general public. This syllabus prioritizes the work of Blacks in order to center the voice of Black Catholics in the creation of their own narrative. This document is for those who want to learn and think critically about issues such as: anti-Black systemic racism, white supremacy, racial justice, anti-racism, #BlackLivesMatter.
The impact these issues have on the Church Moving from individual level to organizational/institutional level thinking about these issues. The citations provided here are organized by TYPE OF MEDIA, TOPIC, and DATA RESOURCES. This resource is not a substitute for doing The Work of anti-racism and racial justice. This syllabus is not a step-by-step manual. Rather, it is an invitation to learn, do, and be.

USCCB Pastoral Letter on Racism from 1979 led by Bishop Joseph A. Francis, SVD

Video Presentation Link - "What is a working definition of racism? What has the Universal Church said about racism throughout history? What happened when theology clashed with slavery in America? Where is a road that can lead to racial equality in the 21st century? Bishop George V. Murry, S.J., one of just 24 African-American bishops in history, answered those questions and more."

This research guide is designed to link visitors to the CRRA website to information about African American Roman Catholics. It will point the user to books and other materials in the Catholic Portal, and will directly link to relevant special collections, both print and electronic, available on the Internet.

This Website of the almost 1,000 Franciscan friars — members of the Order of Friars Minor — living and ministering as brothers across the United States is presented via this site.

In his trip to the southern part of the state, Rev. Pritchett met with faculty from Xavier University of Louisiana to discuss future collaborations between the institution and Seton Hall as well as with Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, Joseph N. Perry, the Diocesan Postulator for the canonization of the first African American saint, Venerable Augustus Tolton.

This article is from the journal - First Things. William Doino Jr. is a contributor to Inside the Vatican magazine.

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul. The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of the United States of America comprises two Provinces of nearly 500 sisters serving in social services, prison ministry, health care, education, immigration, prevention of trafficking, and more.

"Katharine Drexel and Elizabeth Ann Seton—”Sister Saints” Who Changed Education in the United States Forever." These two brave and unselfish women devoted their lives to educating poor children and ministering to the needy. We can see their legacies today in the religious communities they founded, and the thousands of Catholic schools across our nation. Article by Danielle Bean for the Seton Shrine, March 2, 2020.