NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Perusing the offerings at the exhibit hall open throughout each day of the 13th National Black Catholic Congress was a welcome task for attendees.
Organizations wanting to attract Black Catholics were front and center. Among them were major orders of consecrated men and women. Institutes of higher education, a primary school and publications along with the Social Security Administration, a bank and social action groups set up tables. Staff handed out materials for information and keepsakes.
Redemptorist Father Maurice J. Nutt seized the opportunity to sign copies of his book released earlier this year, “Down Deep in My Soul: An African American Catholic Theology of Preaching.”
Vendors with packed racks and tables full of colorful African garbs, tote bags, framed paintings, sculptures, greeting cards, earrings and other items for purchase were a magnet for both women and men.
I longed for a well-made denim-and-white dress with an accompanying shawl, but it was too rich for my blood; I moved on. So did others who had already made the sacrifice to participate in one of the most-costly congresses ever. Those who could find more affordable lodging away from the hotel did so.
Can’t be with the pope in Rome? How about standing next to a life-size image of Pope Francis and getting your photo taken with it? Offering this as a conversation starter was the brainchild of Dominican Sister June Fitzgerald from Columbus Ohio. Her order hosted a booth about its mission right at the exhibit hall entrance.
I had to give congress planners kudos for placing the exhibit hall in the huge area one would have to pass through in order to get to the stations of food for the very generous luncheon buffets. That way both before and after lunch, participants had ample opportunities to browse and perhaps return to an item or have a conversation they were considering.
Indeed, there was something for everyone.
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