July 2023 was a busy month for Black (specifically African American) Catholics.

Getting to know Ignatius—or any saint—a little better can help us as we walk our own faith journeys.

Simply having an emotion is morally neutral experience, so merely feeling angry is certainly not a sin.

It was my grandmother — who I’d see praying every night before going to sleep — who planted the seed of faith in my heart.

This is a lesson in how Catholic belief can make you a better person than you’re inclined to be.

The 3,000-strong congress attendees were jubilant during Mass as they sang along with the 90-member choir belting out “We’ve come this far by faith!”

Yesterday was my birthday. It wasn’t a special milestone, but every birthday feels significant to me. And every birthday offers a chance to pause and reflect on who I am, why I’m here, and how blessed I am.

While no one homiletic style will please all Catholics, an awful lot of us pew warmers are complaining about the quality, or lack thereof, of the sermons we hear.

“Try that in a Small Town” boasts lyrics about Grandad’s shotgun, handed down and waiting in readiness in case any miscreants currently shoplifting, sucker-punching and otherwise diminishing our cities show up on his turf.

Perusing the offerings at the exhibit hall open throughout each day of the 13th National Black Catholic Congress was a welcome task for attendees.