In November 2025, Black Catholics in Baton Rouge gathered to mark their heritage and contributions to the Catholic Church. The event took place on November 2 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church as part of Black Catholic History Month. The Mass, with the theme ‘Thriving as Sons and Daughters of God,’ was organized by the Office of Black Catholics. It also coincided with All Souls Day, a day for remembrance and prayer for the deceased.
Bishop Michael G. Duca led the Mass. He was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Joseph Perry from the Archdiocese of Chicago and several local pastors from African American parishes. The event began with remarks from Ean Price and Nina Donald, both young adult members of the Office of Black Catholics Advisory Board. Price, who is active in the Knights of Peter Claver Youth Division, spoke about Friar Martin Maria de Porres Ward. In 2024, Ward became the seventh African American candidate for sainthood. Ward was born in Boston in 1918 and spent over fifty years in religious service, much of it in Brazil.
Nina Donald, representing the KPC Ladies Auxiliary, discussed the significance of Black Catholic History Month and the contributions of Black Catholics to the Church. The Mass included a processional led by the Fourth Degree Knights of Peter Claver Honor Guard and Ladies Auxiliary. Gospel music, liturgical dance, and prayer were part of the service. Seminarians from the Diocese of Baton Rouge, including three African American seminarians from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, also participated…