Black Catholics: ‘walking in the shoes’ of St. Martin de Porres

By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic

Photography: MARLENE QUARONI | FC

FORT LAUDERDALE | The congregation clapping their hands and singing along to a spirited Gospel choir; a lively homily drawing responses of “Amen!”: Those are not the usual characteristics of a Catholic Mass, unless, of course, you’re among black Catholics.

“Vatican II welcomed cultural expression at Mass,” said Marvin Dawkins, University of Miami professor of sociology, in his talk at the St. Martin de Porres Awards luncheon Nov. 19.

The annual event takes place during Black Catholic History Month, which coincides with the Nov. 3 feast of St. Martin de Porres, the patron saint of mixed-race people. The 16th and 17th-century Peruvian saint was the son of a Spanish gentleman and a freed slave.

There are 69.5 million Catholics in the United States, with black Catholics making up about two percent of that number, said Dawkins. Living in communities that are not traditionally Catholic, black Catholics take pride in their faith.

Katrenia Reeves-Jackman, director of the archdiocesan Office of Black Catholics, recalled that when a friend once asked her what church she attended, she was surprised by her response.

“I told my friend, ‘I go to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church,’” said Reeves-Jackman. “You’re Catholic? Really?” replied her friend.

Dawkins, a life-long Catholic, said that black Catholics like to be involved in helping others through neighborhood outreach, something that has been an integral part of Catholic tradition.

“It’s always heartwarming to see Catholic Charities immediately help whenever there’s a natural disaster,” Dawkins said. “It’s made black Catholics proud of the response.”

Practicing their faith in daily life, particularly by taking part in services on days other than Sunday, is another tradition among black Catholics, Dawkins said.

“In my own experience, my mother was always at Thursday night services,” he said. “I thought it was the same night in black Catholic churches everywhere.”

Social struggles

Black Catholics also have always been involved in social struggles such as ending racial injustice and overcoming economic barriers. Dawkins cited examples of priests taking on social issues.

“Father George Clemmons, the first black pastor of Holy Angels Catholic Church on Chicago’s south side, became the first Catholic priest in Chicago to adopt a child,” said Dawkins. “Through his founding of several programs, including One Church One Child, One Church One Addict, One Church One Inmate, he brought greater recognition of social problems and encouraged the adoption of African-American children.”

Father Clemmons and many others have been involved in civil rights issues throughout the country.

Father Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church, also on Chicago’s south side, has been fighting to bring economic justice to his community while dealing daily with the victims and perpetrators of violence in one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods.

“Father Mike preached at the funeral of a gang member and preached against retaliation,” said Dawkins. “I had the opportunity to hear Father Mike, a white priest, speak in person at a meeting of the Association of Black Sociologists.”

Catholic churches have always been safe places for immigrants, recently targeted by President-elect Donald Trump, added Dawkins. “This will be a challenge that lies ahead.”

Engaging youths

The Catholic Church also has a great tradition of engaging black youths. The tradition brought about the creation, in poor communities, of the Society of St. Joseph, also known as Josephite Fathers, Sisters and Oblates. 

“There was strife all around my church, St. Pius V in Jacksonville,” Dawkins said. “It was the only church in the black community that had lights so that young people could play basketball at night. It was a safe place to go. The church also provided refreshments and developed youth leagues. It was a place not only for sports but evangelization, because these kids were attracted to the Catholic Church.”

Black Catholic parents strongly desire that their children receive an educational foundation in Catholic schools.

“The future of the black Catholic Church is youth,” Dawkins said. “Pope Francis called for outreach to the poor and assisting refugees. We should invite youth to a recognition luncheon like this one. Initiating a Black Catholic Pride award would give us an opportunity to award youth for their participation in the Church.”

 

Honorees

During the luncheon, the archdiocese’s Black Catholic Ministry recognized seven local Catholics by giving them the annual St. Martin de Porres award.

“These honorees have dedicated themselves to service and to be the ambassadors of God’s mercy, to walk in the shoes of St. Martin de Porres, to persevere despite all the challenges and to ‘Grow in God’s mercy,’ said Reeves-Jackman.

The honorees were:

• Deacon Thomas Dawson, Jr., who served for many years at St. Philip Neri and is now assigned to St. Katharine Drexel in Weston;
• Linda Adderly, active in her community of Christ the King Church and PACT (People Acting for Community Together), a grassroots advocacy organization;
• Lavanette Mettie, a Haitian-American who led Catholic youth groups in Haiti and introduced a Haitian Mass at St. Jerome Church, Chicago; and her daughter, Sarady Amparo. Both serve as lectors and extraordinary ministers of Communion at their parishes, Visitation and St. Lawrence in northern Miami-Dade County. Amparo won the Broward Altar Server of the Year award as a student at Annunciation School in Hollywood;
• Bernadette Cecilia Poitier, who taught math and science at her alma mater, Holy Redeemer School in Liberty City, and served as the first Charter Grand Lady for the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver;
• Phillip and Wendy Fletcher, who are active in several organizations at Holy Redeemer.