Let's Write History Together

On Friday evening, 27 September 2924, and Saturday morning, 28 September 2024, simultaneously, we experienced a discussion within the Cardijn movements with Nate Tinner-Williams of the "Black Catholic Messenger" publication.

If you get the chance, watch the replay after it is posted and listen to Nate talk about his experiences as a black person in a Catholic Church, especially from a convert's perspective.

All too often, white Catholics are not all that aware of the history of black Catholics in the United States and across the globe.

The Cardijn movement is one of social justice, and the vehicle is Catholic Social Teaching, which is empowered by action.

The black Catholic experience, as I've come to understand through the teachings of Cyprian Davis OSB, is a global phenomenon. Cyprian has had a significant influence on my life, not only as my history professor in graduate school, thesis director, and spiritual director for two years but also as a friend who opened my eyes and soul to the meaning of social justice.

To delve deeper into the history and experiences of black Catholics, I recommend reading Cyprian Davis's books "The History of Black Catholics in the United States" and "Stamped with the Image of God." These insightful works will provide a comprehensive understanding of the black Catholic experience. Then, I encourage you to read "Taking down our Harps."

Then pick up a copy of Subversive Habits by Dee Williams, Ph.D., and reflect upon Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American struggle within the church.

Dee Williams, Ph.D., Shannen writes about Black Catholic Nuns in the Freedom Struggle within the church. These women endured the social injustice of a church that they continued to love and serve.

Jesus's teachings, the Sermon on the Mount, and the early Christ associations should drive our Cardijn movements. At the heart of the gospel message is how to live in the kingdom of Heaven here on earth. Jesus didn't lay out his teachings as a checklist to enter Heaven but as a roadmap for living our lives here on earth, as we see in the lives of the early Christ associations.

Cyprian always would remind me of the African proverb, "Until the lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter." 

And "The Church needs all of its lay-folk, not the clergy, to bring the kingdom of God into the present-day world." ~ Louis J Putz CSC 1957

So together, as laity, let us write history as the lion and bring the Kingdom of God here and now.