Archdiocese of Newark Celebrates Black History Month with Special Mass

NEWARK, N.J. – The Archdiocese of Newark’s African American, African, & Caribbean Apostolate honored Black History Month with a commemorative Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, on Feb. 12 in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Acknowledging the evils of prejudice in his homily, Cardinal Tobin said Black History Month 2023’s theme of “Black Resistance” is essential because resistance to discrimination is necessary for calling racists to conversion. But Black people must not fight hate with hate, he stressed, because then they will be no better than the racists they oppose. Instead, he said the Black community should follow Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s example and pursue a path of nonviolence.

“In one of his most famous sermons, ‘Loving Your Enemies,’ Dr. King preached… ‘Hate does not drive out hate. Only love can do that,’” Cardinal Tobin said before returning to the Black History Month theme. “Black resistance is fundamentally an act of love — love for people who persist in doing monstrous things, and love for their own community, that they be sources of light.”

Cardinal Tobin’s message was well-received by the hundreds in the Cathedral — which featured images of Black Catholic candidates for sainthood prominently on display — who broke out into applause once the cardinal finished speaking. Those gathered also enjoyed singing along with gospel songs reflective of the African American experience, such as “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” and “We Shall Overcome.” Many embraced their heritage by dressing in African and Caribbean cultural attire, while others wore the uniforms of the local Black Catholic organizations they represent.

The African American, African, & Caribbean Apostolate serves these Mass attendees as well as thousands of other Black Catholics within the Archdiocese of Newark by sharing and strengthening their faith, working to eradicate racism and oppression, encouraging Black youth to embrace their cultural identity, and promoting leadership in the Black community. To learn more about the Apostolate, visit its webpage at www.rcan.org.