Honoring Those Who Were Enslaved: Toward Reconciliation

Cardinal Wilton Gregory sprinkles holy water at a Prayer Service to bless a portion of the Parish Cemetery for African-Americans Buried there at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

The Archdiocese has had multiple encounters with the descendant community in the last several years.  Below is a listing of coverage of many of these events.  Also included is a link to award-winning project “Black Catholic Voices.”

Black Catholic Voices

At St. Peter Claver cemetery, Cardinal Gregory blesses marker honoring unknown enslaved people buried there, connecting parish’s past to its present – Catholic Standard

Cardinal Gregory leads prayer service for enslaved African Americans buried in Sacred Heart Parish’s cemetery in Bowie – Catholic Standard

Historic St. Ignatius cemetery has blessing to acknowledge resting places of enslaved persons – Catholic Standard

Clean-up effort at Sacred Heart cemetery seen as ‘work of justice’ for enslaved who may be buried there – Catholic Standard

Descendants help clear grounds near ancestor’s grave at Sacred Heart cemetery – Catholic Standard

Howard University students join descendants in praying for enslaved buried at Sacred Heart cemetery – Catholic Standard

Faithful gather at Sacred Heart Cemetery to pray for ‘our brothers and sisters, known and unknown’- Catholic Standard

‘Dei’ means of God, Bishop Campbell says at annual Mass celebrating Black History Month- Catholic Standard

Archdiocese to celebrate Black History Month with annual Mass on Feb. 22- Catholic Standard