National Black Catholic Congress X:
Christ is With Us-Celebrating
the Gifts of the Sacraments,
July 12-15, 2007
In Buffalo, NY
A Personal Commentary
by Fr. Sidney Speaks, SSJ, Archdiocese of Washington
August 2007
Well, I was inspired moments ago to write my reflections on the Tenth National Black Catholic Congress, through the ministry of Mr. Howard. Thank you, Michael.
As I think on the Congress...
There was a great sense of "Gathering", and the importance of gathering was underlined, in various ways. When I look through the Scriptures, I find that the times of gathering that was so vital to the Church. This may be obvious, when the Church is by nature a community of people, and to "get together" is what defines the constitution of community life. But, it was so ironic that I came away from the Congress, reflecting on how "gathering" was displayed over and over. Let me explain...I gathered with my parishioners and family, as we journeyed upward to New York and back home; All of us gathered at the Congress, seen especially at the Masses, which were very inspiring; the Archdiocese of Washington had a tremendous gathering around a meal, a large table, like our ancestors at the Last Supper; I understand that the African-American bishops, visibly touched by the event, were seen crying, as they gathered around the baptismal font, at the opening Mass; I gathered on Saturday afternoon with 13 other brother priests, sharing, reflecting, brainstorming, and laughing in the joy of the Lord, as we gathered together around a table, to not just eat, but partake of the Spirit present with us; I saw conclaves and small gatherings of folks in all different corners of the Convention center for three days, and visited familiar gatherings of people, from various parishes, which was awesome to see; and we all "got together" and sat before the Blessed Sacrament-enough said! What a powerful gathering!
As you can see, I was overjoyed at seeing us as a people, a Black Catholic body coming together, it was so good to see unity, and not just hear about it! This was a major part of my reflection on such an experience. There were other thoughts, although minor...
The Congress needs to always feature a time of quiet prayer as a corporate body of people, outside of the Mass, and have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
There needed to be a more deliberate presentation of our youth. There should have been a young adult presenter as a keynote speaker. The voice of our young people was heard at their tracks, but not to the entire body--this is an important stage that young people need to see themselves having a place, a chance to speak!
The comments and suggestions of the Congress participants should have been blatantly encouraged, and asked right then and there. To recall going to the MLK Center in Atlanta, and seeing the "Stations" that are set up for writing stories and reflections. This is something that could be duplicated at Congress.
The Black Catholics of DC need to gather as well! The time we shared for just a few hours at lunch was so blessed, and should not occur in just Buffalo; it shouldn’t occur just for MLK's birthday or East of the River revival time; I wish there could be more opportunities.
Well, I must end now, and hope that these words are a part of God’s will for this website. Praise God for another Congress! Let us pray that the Spirit will lead us to the next Congress!