Saint Augustine's Church's Gospel Choir to Grace All Saints Day Mass Performance
In November, Catholics around the world observe All Saints Day, a Holy Day of Obligation, and this year, the celebration at Holy Cross takes on a special significance. The focus is on Black Catholic history and the "Saintly Six," a group of six Black Catholics who are on the path to sainthood.
The "Saintly Six" includes Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, Augustus John Tolton, Henriette Delille, Sister Thea Bowman, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, and Julia Greeley. These individuals have made significant contributions to Black Catholic history, particularly in religious life, education, and social justice.
Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, a Venerable as of 2025, is a notable figure. She was an Afro-Cuban American foundress who established the first order of Black Catholic nuns in the U.S., the Oblate Sisters of Providence. Her work significantly advanced Black Catholic religious life and education.
Other prominent Black Catholic saints and blesseds, such as St. Martin de Porres, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Benedict the Moor, St. Charles Lwanga, and St. Monica of Hippo, are also celebrated for their faith, martyrdom, humility, and service. They are influential in the spiritual heritage and identity of Black Catholics.
The parish of St. Augustine's Church in Washington, D.C., known as the "Mother Church of Black Catholics in the Nation's Capital," will be playing a significant role in the All Saints Day celebration. The Gospel Choir from St. Augustine's Church will provide music for the Mass and a mini-concert at St. Joseph Memorial Chapel.
Students from the Nativity School of Worcester and the Nativity of Boston will also be in attendance at the Mass. The Chaplains' Office plans to incorporate images of the "Saintly Six" and prayers for their canonization into the service.
The 100th anniversary of St. Joseph Memorial Chapel at Holy Cross was celebrated on April 21st. The McFarland Center at Holy Cross hosted a virtual conversation about Deaf Catholics shaping the contemporary Church as part of the "Catholics & Cultures" initiative.
November is recognised as Black Catholic History Month, and the parish of St. Augustine's Church is committed to preserving "Black Catholic Heritage." The McFarland Center's event aimed to draw attention to how Deaf Catholics are shaping the global Church.
In a different context, Stacey Kaliabakos '23, the Chief Opinions Editor at a college named Holy Cross, sought out a school that would provide spiritual growth alongside intellectual growth.
The All Saints Day Mass will occur on November 1 at 12:05pm in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel. The celebration promises to be a meaningful and inspiring event, honouring the "Saintly Six" and the rich history of Black Catholicism.
- Stacey Kaliabakos '23, the Chief Opinions Editor at Holy Cross, is particularly interested in schools that offer a blend of spiritual and intellectual growth.
- The focus of the All Saints Day celebration at Holy Cross this year is on Black Catholic history and the "Saintly Six," a group of six Black Catholics who are on the path to sainthood.
- The student body of the Nativity School of Worcester and the Nativity of Boston will be in attendance at the All Saints Day Mass held at Holy Cross.
- The parish of St. Augustine's Church, known as the "Mother Church of Black Catholics in the Nation's Capital," is committed to preserving "Black Catholic Heritage" and will play a significant role in the All Saints Day celebration with their Gospel Choir providing music for the Mass and a mini-concert.
