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Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

An image of Mother Mary Lange, foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, is seen in a stained-glass window in the chapel of the religious order's motherhouse. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth)

Archdiocese sponsors programming during MPT’s HBCU week


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Catholic Review Filed Under: Black Catholic Ministry, Local News, News, Saints

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is teaming with Maryland Public Television to sponsor programming during Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week on the network.

The archdiocese and MPT will support programming that celebrates the history, culture and innovations of HBCUs in the area and across the nation. The Archdiocese of Baltimore is honoring Mother Mary Lange, founder of Maryland’s first Black Catholic School – St. Frances Academy, (1828) and the inspiration for Baltimore City’s newest Catholic school, Mother Mary Lange Catholic School that opened in 2021. Mother Mary Lange is on the road to sainthood. For information on Mother Lange’s cause and how to help, visit https://www.motherlange.org/

HBCU Week on MPT begins Sept. 5 and airs through Sept. 11. The support also includes the locally produced documentaries Becoming Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom that will air this fall.

“Our annual HBCU Week tells stories of the sacrifice, courage, innovation, and hope found among the students, faculty, and leaders of these important American institutions,” explains MPT president and CEO Larry D. Unger. “We’re grateful to have the Archdiocese of Baltimore as a partner in our efforts to highlight the positive impact HBCUs have on citizens in our state and in communities throughout the country.” 

Archbishop William E. Lori said he hopes the week of programming provides an overdue spotlight for the HBCUs.

“Our Maryland HBCUs, like these storied institutions across the country, develop impactful leaders and contribute immeasurably to business, culture and science – often without the attention and accolades they unabashedly deserve,” Archbishop Lori said. “With MPT’s spotlight, their vital role will be better known and understood, and their talented students and dedicated faculty will get the recognition they’re due.

“The Archdiocese of Baltimore proudly supports this programming,” he added. “In doing so, we also see the opportunity to shine a bright light on one of our under-told stories: the life and works of Baltimore’s own Mother Mary Lange, who is on the pathway to becoming one of America’s first Black saints. Similar to our country’s treasured HBCUs, Mother Lange opened the doors of knowledge to Black children in Baltimore, risking her life to provide the right of education in the era of slavery with courage, holiness and an extraordinary sense of service. Providing access to education, whether by Mother Lange or our HBCUs, is the key to unlocking great human potential – and all the plentiful contributions that follow.”

Maryland is home to four HBCU institutions – Morgan State University in Northeast Baltimore, Coppin State University in West Baltimore, Bowie State University in Prince George’s County and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne.

“In the storied tradition of Maryland education advocates, particularly those who have championed the education of Baltimore’s Black youth, Mother Mary Lange and her steadfast work to balance the scales of scholastic inequity are unparalleled,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “From St. Frances Academy to the recently opened elementary school bearing her name, as a result of Mother Mary Lange’s efforts, so many have been given the opportunity to reach their greatest potential.

“Morgan State University was formed on the foundation of ministry and education as the Centenary Biblical Institute, very much like the seminal mission of the Oblate Sisters of Providence. We share that commonality, that unfettered commitment to the educational advancement of young people,” Wilson added. “And as an HBCU, we share the formative mission of affording education to those who were unjustly denied access. We continue to advance this mission 155 years after our establishment and will continue to do so for 155 years and beyond.”

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