Featured Article: A New Dawn For Haiti - Catastrophe struck the nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010. Scientifically classified as an earthquake, the residents, global aid workers, and others interpreted it as the end of the world. Already without too many resources, proper living conditions, the citizen's despair was overwhelming. News reports of men, women, and children dashing through the streets, scattering in groups among collapsed buildings and dilapidated homes and businesses became rampant. As the remainder of the world looked on in fright, it was difficult to understand a fraction of the terror those in Haiti were feeling. 
Read Full Story | Print Version

Richness of African American faith heritage is poignantly expressed in song
November is Black Catholic History month
By Mary L. Leisring
(Page 1 of 2)
| Print Version | Discuss Online

Full Spirituality Article Index

The Spiritual Offering of Prayer The Evangelizing Power of the Rosary First Week of Advent When Sex is Consecrated to God My Journey Into Faith Eucharistic Miracle in Buenos Aries From "A Treatise On The Psalms" By Saint Hilary, Bishop The Celebration of The Eucharist Prayer by Thomas Merton A Vital Role in Every Parish New Life In Christ: A Reflection on the Easter Sacraments Easter 2009 From the Treatise on Spiritual Perfection Repentance: The Way Back Home NBCC Directives to Protect Unborn Children The Year of St. Paul Richness of African American faith heritage is poignantly expressed in song Finding A Closer Walk With Our Lord

Full Spirituality Article Index

One of the significant ways that African Americans express their spirituality is through song. The characteristic was recognized by Rev. Clarence Rivers, black Catholic priest who paved the way for liturgical enculturation and inspired black Catholics to bring their artistic genius to Catholic worship.

Archbishop James P. Lyke, O.F.M., did a great service in serving as the coordinator of the African American Catholic Hymnal "Lead Me, Guide Me," which was published in 1987. In the preface to this hymnal we read: "'Lead Me, Guide Me' is born of the needs and aspirations of black Catholics for music that reflects both our African American and our Catholic faith." In the reflections which follow, references are to the hymn numbers in this hymnal.

The thoughts which follow are inspired by "Black and Catholic: the Challenge and Gift of Black Folk," which was edited by Dominican Sister Jamie T. Phelps. Of special note is Chapter Five, titled "Foundations for Catholic Theology in an African American Context" by M. Shawn Copeland.

If we go back to the years of slavery, it is remarkable that an enslaved people were optimistic their God would lead them to freedom as he had led the Israelites. They expressed their optimism in lyrics like:

In the midst of overwhelming pain the enslaved found solace as they turned to Jesus, who understands what it is to suffer:

Slaves refused to accept their condition. They knew they were meant to be free.

When the physical chains of enslavement had been removed, African Americans were still not free. They knew that the nation where they lived had declared: "All men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights." They continued to sing and pray to God that the rights promised them would truly be theirs. It took a man of faith, Martin Luther King Jr., to lead them in their journey.

"Freedom Songs" took on new meaning and inspired them to look for a new day. Like King, African Americans looked forward to the "Promised Land" where there would be joy.

There was a conviction that in spite of conditions and prejudice:

We believe in Privacy! We will never sell your email address. Period!

 to top of page