BUILDING BRIDGES: Racial Healing and Transformation

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR NOVEMBER 20, 2020 2B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020

THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR Diocesan Mass Schedule Deadline ... DECEMBER 2

Bishop Stanley J. Ott shares a dinner with Black Catholics in this undated photo. Photo pro- vided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge Diocesan history in racial matters

First of a series archdiocese titled “The Morality of Ra- cial Segregation.” By Dan Borne In this groundbreaking document Special to he said, “racial segregation is morally The Catholic Commentator wrong and sinful because it is the denial of the unity and solidarity of the human In 1979, the United States Conference race as conceived by God in the creation of Catholic Bishops published a land- of Adam and Eve.” mark letter on racism. Titled, “Brothers Thus in the decade prior to the awak- and Sisters to Us,” reminding the faith- ening of America’s conscience on dis- ful that “racism is a sin, a sin that di- crimination and the passage of federal vides the human family, blots out the im- civil rights legislation, this unapologetic age of God among specific members of statement challenged people to embrace that family and violates the fundamen- a radically different approach to race re- tal human dignity of those called to be lations. At the time the archdiocese in- children of the same father.” cluded church parishes that became the The bishops defined racism as “the Diocese of Baton Rouge, created in 1961, sin that says some human beings be- and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, lieve they are inherently superior and formed in 1977. others essentially inferior because Even before Archbishop Rummel’s of their race. It is the sin that makes ra- prescient pastoral, his directives in cial characteristics the determining fac- 1948 admitted two African American tor in the exercise of human rights.” students to Notre Dame Seminary in The prelates used Scripture to assert . In 1951, he ordered re- that racism “mocks the words of Jesus: moval of “white” and “colored” signs ‘Treat others the way you would have from churches and opened a new Cath- them treat you’ (Mt 7:12). Indeed, racism olic high school dedicated to educating is more than a disregard for the words young Black men in New Orleans. “ I know the plans I have for you, says the of Jesus. It is a denial of the truth of the In a 1953 letter “Blessed are the dignity of each human being revealed by Peacemakers,” he ordered the end to seg- Lord, plans for your welfare and not for the mystery of the Incarnation.” regation in the entire archdiocese. “Ever harm, to give you a future with hope.” The document is available at https:// mindful,” he said, “of the basic truth www.usccb.org/committees/african- that our Colored Catholic brethren share JEREMIAH 29:11 american-affairs/brothers-and-sisters-us with us the same spiritual life and des- It’s nothing new for the church to tiny, the same membership in the mysti- speak boldly about racial divides and cal body of Christ, the same dependence the immorality of racism. Its contin- upon the word of God, the participation stjudecatholic.org ued leadership in this area has not only in the sacraments, especially in the most been important, it’s been essential. holy Eucharist, the same need of moral 225-766-2431 The Diocese of Baton Rouge’s history and social encouragement, let there be can be traced to the words of fearless no further discrimination or desegrega- 9150 Highland Road Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel of New tion in the pews, at the Communion rail, Baton Rouge, LA 70810-4096 Orleans. Nearly 65 years ago he wrote at the confessional and in parish meet- a pastoral letter to all parishes in the SEE HISTORY PAGE 10B November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 3B 7 Systemic racism continues through institutions, clubs By Richard Meek He said institution and sys- against African American girls The Catholic Commentator temic racism began with slav- braiding their hair. ery, which back then was a “It is normal in Africa, in Systemic racism remains written rule, a law. After slavery Haiti and all over the world for prevalent today, rooted in insti- ended, the reconstruction peri- Black girls to have braids in tutions, country clubs and even od began, ushering in new laws, their hair,” Father Johnson said. Catholic schools, according to essentially targeting former “It is a normative expression Father Joshua Johnson, pastor slaves and imprisoning them if for Black (girls) to have braids. at Holy Rosary Church in St. they did not have jobs. Black girls should not be forced Amant. Jim Crow laws followed, to perm their hair to go to Cath- Flipping the script on a prac- which Father Johnson said were olic schools.” tice that has endured for more written policies stating that He also questioned a Louisi- than four centuries lies with the white and Blacks could not eat, ana law criminalizing the wear- church and American Catholics, work, play, pray or stay in the ing of sagging pants. Admitted- Black Catholics gather during the African American Family Conference who Father Johnson said have same places. ly against the fashion, Father in 1990. Photos provided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge been “mediocre, lukewarm and The civil rights acts of the Johnson questions the consis- cafeteria in general.” 1960s eradicated the Jim Crow tency of the law, especially since “They have allowed society laws, which ended direct insti- it is based on indecent exposure. to impact how they see people tution racism, but indirect insti- “There is no law against a who are different from them tutional racism continues today woman’s bra being shown,” he and how to treat people who are through practices and policies. said. “If it’s about indecent ex- different from them as opposed He cited as an example a posure there should be a law to the church influencing soci- country club in Metairie that up but the reality is most people ety, saying ‘this is not ok.’ When until the mid-2000s did not al- who sag their pants are Black. the church begins to address it, low Black people to be members. “If you’re going to have a law by becoming disciples of Jesus, “It was not a written rule, it about indecent exposure then by praying, then the world will was a practice,” Father Johnson every woman whose bra strap change,” Father Johnson added. said. is showing, whether it’s on their Father Johnson defined He noted the club changed its wedding day, in church or to go systemic racism as “practices policy only after Archbishop Al- to a ball game, needs to be fined which are unwritten rules, and fred M. Hughes wrote a pastoral as well or get jail time.” policies which are written rules, letter against racism, specifying Father Johnson also cited the that accommodate and give ac- that no , school lack of diverse reading sources cess to some people for no other or organization could hold an for students attending public reason than because of the color event at a place that does not al- and Catholic schools as contrib- of their skin and discriminate low diverse membership. uting toward systemic racism. and alienate and deny access to He also cited specific policies He said even in seminary for- other people, namely people of at Catholic schools throughout mation, everything is “primari- color, for no other reason than the country as perpetuating ly taught from a white perspec- because of the color of their systemic racism, most notably a tive.” skin.” written rule that discriminates SEE RACISM PAGE 10B

Goldie C. Domingue, Attorney of Counsel

10636 Linkwood Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 225-400-9976 Bishop Alfred C. Hughes (background) listens to the African American Mass Choir during the Martin Luther www.pwscottlaw.com King Jr. Ecumenical Prayer Service in January, 1995 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. 4B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020 Navigating the history of Black parishes

elcome to “On the Road to the river to St. James, and we’ll ride down parishes and what’s happening in them tracks in Thibodaux, the Southern Pacific Parish.” “the longest street in the world,” Bayou now. railway providing the demarcation line W Travel with me during the Lafourche, to visit parishes in Donald- In addition, when I was in formation between the white and Black parts of course of several issues of the The Cath- sonville and Bertrandville. We’ll visit for the diaconate, one of my classmates, Thibodaux. olic Commentator as we visit the African parishes in Baton Rouge and Deacon Ed Gauthreaux, St. Luke’s was staffed by the Joseph- American church parishes in the Diocese in Scotlandville that have was a member of St. ites (we’ll learn more about them in sub- of Baton Rouge. ministered to African Amer- Catherine of Siena Parish sequent columns) and my mother loved We’ll learn the differences between a icans for decades and have in Donaldsonville. He’s their preaching. In those days, you went civil parish, a personal parish and a terri- had tremendous impact on now assigned there as to church where Mama told you to go, so torial parish. We’ll review the histories of their faithful. a deacon. Deacon Ed’s our family attended Sunday services at each of our African American parishes, We’ll also travel to inciteful commentary on St. Luke’s. when they were founded, how they came parishes where worshipers his parish always proved There were just two other white into being, whether they currently have, traditionally were pri- fodder for interesting families in the pews. One of them, the or have had, schools associated with marily white but because discussion during our Freeman’s, owned a store near where St. them and whether they have cemeteries of demographics now are classes. Luke’s was located, and the other was a to honor their beloved dead. predominantly Black. It’ll But more funda- devout divorcee with her two little girls. We’ll learn about their courageous be interesting to see in what mentally, my interest in Her mother had broken her hip and clergy – Josephites, Jesuits, Divine ways liturgies have changed writing about the dio- could not navigate stairs leading to the Word Missionaries and Missionaries of in those parishes where this cese’s African American front doors of St. Joseph’s there were no St. Paul, many of whom chose to come transition has occurred. On the Road parishes comes from accommodations for the handicapped in to to minister to Black Cath- What’s driving my inter- my youth in Thibodaux. those days so she and her girls attended olics in communities which were totally est in getting to know our to the Parish There were two Catholic St. Luke’s. segregated and subject to Jim Crow laws African American parishes churches in town in the I guess you could say we integrated that cruelly discriminated against their better? Deacon Dan Borné 1950s and 60s. a Black church. Going to St. Luke’s was parishioners. We’ll hear their current Well, three of my col- One was St. Joseph’s providential though, because I would pastors and parishioners talk about their leagues on the Diocese of (now a co-cathedral for marry one of those two little girls years vision for their vibrant parishes and Baton Rouge’s Racial Harmony Com- the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux) where later, my first having laid eyes on her at what they hope the future holds for their mission are pastors of African American white Catholics worshipped. The other St. Luke’s. families. parishes. Just visiting with them during was St. Luke’s, where Black Catholics The liturgy at St. Luke’s moved me We’ll trek upriver to New Roads, down the many months of our service has attended Mass. tremendously. I was taken by the deep the Mississippi River and across the piqued my interest in the history of their It was located on the other side of the SEE ROAD PAGE 10B

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2020 Louisiana SHRM Excellence in Diversity Award Winner 01MK7466 10/20 November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 5B 7 Baton Rouge should be model for racial harmony

By Richard Meek heels of officer-related incidents that led The Catholic Commentator to riots in other parts of the country. “We watched other places, perhaps Celebrated by a laudable history of af- with shock, and we never thought that fecting positive changes through peace- could happen in Baton Rouge,” Pierre ful protests, Louisiana, especially Baton said. “It happened because we failed to Rouge, should be setting the standard for check things early that showed behavior the rest of the country to building bridg- that was not productive. es of racial harmony, according to a local “We look at the situation involving the expert. Baton Rouge Police Department, you had But in the past few years, the peace of signs this could be a problem but people the past in the Capitol City has seemingly decided to turn the other way because of ceded to the tragic violence that has be- who was involved and connections and sieged the country in recent times. relationships. We should never let rela- “Now it is going toward whatever is tionships deter us from calling out things happening on the national trend, and that are wrong.” that is what we want to do, to the extreme But Pierre is encouraged because he which is not beneficial to people,” South- sees people of all color earnestly attempt- ern University Law Center Chancellor ing to work to improve racial relations. John Pierre said. “We have to set some He said part of the reasons is that Baton standards of what is expected in terms A choir sings during an African American Mass celebrated at Southern University in 1994. Rouge has the benefit of three higher ed- of behavior, decency in how we approach Photos provided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge ucation institutional systems, including each other, how we treat each other. LSU, Southern, and the state community “This idea of constantly shouting, And in 1960, the famous “Southern 16” spectrum, we all get uplifted,” Pierre college system. showing up in places with guns because protest on the campus of Southern gar- added. “It makes us better economically, “Those systems provide opportunity we want folks not to do certain things, nered national attention in the early stag- spiritually, emotionally. And that is some- for interaction through education that al- all of those things of intimidation that go es of the civil rights movement. thing we must always be conscience of.” lows people to see that in our goals toward way back to another history, have to be Pierre also mentioned Louisiana’s 1724 Pierre believes Baton Rouge is a mod- self improvement you have space where stopped.” Code Noir, which, he said talked about el of diversity, equality and inclusion that people can interact and determine being Pierre has been disturbed by the spo- Black people and Native Americans in a can be shown to the rest of the state and around someone who is different from radic outbreaks of violence he has seen way different from others. the rest of the country as to how to recog- them from another race from a different because Baton Rouge is the seat of state Baton Rouge was also the scene of the nize each human’s value and helps folks cultural, demographic background, we government. first bus boycott in 1953, sit-ins and an or- reach their maximum as a human being. can all work together.” “By and large in comparison to other ganized boycott of downtown stores. But to be successful, he said the economic He said when people of good faith parts of the state, the opportunities in “We have had a history of having pub- and educational disparity that still exists come together they are trying to move the Baton Rouge are much more robust,” he lic protests in Louisiana when we see must be closed, including north Baton needle to improve their lives and the lives said. “Baton Rouge ought to be a place something that is not right,” Pierre said. Rouge, which he said has been long ne- of the people they interact with in the of destination where people come to find “We have been able to do it in a peaceful glected. community they come from. leadership, find a path forward for better manner in a way to affect change. Pierre said Baton Rouge “still has a When examining the history of Louisi- living, better lives. You have to lead by ex- “This is extremely important for us to long way to go” regarding racial relations, ana, Pierre added, most people, “whether ample.” understand how important a role Louisi- partly because of the lingering effects of they want to admit it or not,” have rela- Pierre stressed that the person who ana, and Baton Rouge plays. It shows we the Alton Sterling shooting. He called the tives of a difference race. He said Loui- shouts the loudest does not have the can lead the way in how folks can build 2016 shooting a “wakeup call” because it siana was a place with much interaction greatest impact. Rather, he said it’s when bridges when we have these divides that made residents much more conscience of that led to mixed race families. society works through difficult issues and have to be dealt with.” issues problematic in the community but “We cannot erase that history from develops resolution that allows people “We have to be able to recognize when that had been continually ignored. who we are today and politics cannot of color and ideologies to reach a point we uplift folks at the lowest end of the The Sterling shooting came on the erase that history,” Pierre said. where they understand each other and positive change be effective. “It takes work, grit and tenacity but we Bishop Alfred C. Hughes can do things and can create pathways to leads a procession at the be- resolve big issues,” Pierre said. ginning of the Mass. To Bish- Louisiana, he said, has always been op Hughes’ left is Father Lou- at the epicenter of racial history as well is Oubre and behind Father as history of racial justice. He said sev- Oubre is then-Father Shelton eral of the most important develop- J. Fabre, who is now bishop ments regarding racial equality have of the Diocese of Houma-Thi- Louisiana roots. bodaux. Pierre cited the Louisiana Railways Accommodations Act of 1890 requiring all railway companies carrying passen- gers on their trains in Louisiana to pro- vide “equal but separate accommodations for the white and colored races.” He also pointed out that the state was the center of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1896 landmark Plessy vs. Ferguson de- cision that upheld the constitutionally of “separate but equal” accommodations in segregated facilities. 6B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020 ‘Every fight is not a good fight’

By Debbie Shelley pared himself, he would succeed. The Catholic Commentator They are also people of faith. His dad was Catholic, and his mother attended Aubrey Jones encounters students a full-Gospel church. Through them he in the East Baton Rouge Parish School learned to respect everyone as a child of System who grapple with immense God, even if they may not know God or challenges within their families, peer heard the Gospel message. pressure and in understanding the di- Jones and his family enjoy the wel- vision and chaos defined as “normal” in coming embrace of ICC, where he is a society. member of the Knights of Peter Claver. Because his own life is firmly founded He said while he did not grow up around on faith and family, he brings students priests, ICC pastor Father Tom Clark the tools to help them turn their stories SJ is a very active presence and Jones’ of challenges to ones of success. family is blessed to have a relationship A native of north Baton Rouge and with Father Clark that “organically hap- member of Immaculate Conception pened.” Church in Baton Rouge, Jones graduated “(Father Clark’s) a brother,” said with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama Jones. and communications from the Universi- He also has the support of educators. ty of New Orleans in 2001. He worked in Jones said in high school his sociology media productions for radio, television Aubrey Jones, a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Baton Rouge, impacts the teacher and track coach equipped him and film for 10 years. lives of students, parents teachers and administrators as a specialist with the ICARE pro- and his peers with tools that would help Jones said during his late 20’s he gram. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator them be successful adults. wanted to do something more mean- “He would say simple things, like ‘You ingful in his life. He coached and taught certified in elementary education and In 2019, Jones was selected Teacher should go to college,’ ” Jones said. through the YMCA’s Abstinence Pro- special education. Gaining classroom of the Year at Westminster Elementary Having been pulled over by a police gram, visiting different schools each and more coaching experience, he at- School in Baton Rouge and was offered officer based on what Jones believes is week, and eventually became a substi- tended Nicholls State University in Thi- a job as a prevention specialist with the his skin color, he stresses it’s good to be tute teacher. bodaux and graduated with a master’s I CARE program, the alcohol drug abuse educated on how to handle oneself in Feeling the call to teach, he became degree in educational leadership in 2016. and violence prevention program for the those situations. East Baton Rouge Parish School System. “I know how to conduct myself – and It provides prevention education to stu- it turned out positive,” said Jones. dents in public, parochial and partici- “Sometimes you have to turn the Immaculate Conception pating private and charter schools in the cheek to survive the situation,” he said. areas of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, “Every fight is not a good fight. violence, crisis response and manage- “I have two sons (one is eight the oth- Catholic Church ment. Additionally, it provides support er is 11) and I tell them the same thing. services related to social-emotional ‘You have to be strong and wise.’ ” Baton Rouge, Louisiana learning. Jones cherishes the children of all “My new position not only allows races he works with. And they share me to teach various groups of students their struggles with him. about making healthy choices but I sup- During times of racial tensions, in- port principals, teachers and parents at cluding in Baton Rouge in 2016 when seven different schools in East Baton some children were traumatized by the Rouge Parish,” said Jones. police shooting of their neighbor Alton He has worked with St. Francis Xavi- Sterling, Jones said healing begins with er School in Baton Rouge, particularly conversing with the youth. through the Young Men of Character “Most of the time, young people want Program. someone to listen to them. They want While the specialists can plan their reassurance, they want to know that day, Jones pointed out, “We never know you value them. With that you can do so everything that will be needed until we much,” said Jones. “Sometimes you have pull up to the campus.” to let them vent. You never want them to Jones said he pursued a career in keep it inside.” education because there are not a lot of On one occasion a high school stu- male teachers in elementary schools, es- dent asked Jones why they had to study pecially Black men. American history. Jones pointed out Young acknowledges, “When I started studying history not only provides in- working, I was very young. I received a formation about the country’s past, but lot of adversity and I had to work hard to it is important to the future. get respect from my peers.” Jones said he has hope there for the But he turned those struggles into youth. He said youth are resilient and something positive to help his students. former students of his went on to suc- “It is rewarding to inspire them that cessful careers. They are the “movers ‘you can be anything you want to be,’ ” and shakers” of the world, he empha- “. . . that they may all be one . . .” said Jones. sized. His parents instilled confidence in “They can start a movement by cell him at an early age. They told him that phone in two days,” said Jones. “They – John 17:21 although he might look different from can make changes. We have to respect his peers, if he worked hard and pre- that.” November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 7B 7 Living the Golden Rule

By Debbie Shelley the junior daughters participated in for The Catholic Commentator Perry was visiting the Society of St. Vin- cent de Paul’s Bishop Ott Sweet Dreams In looking for solutions to racial di- Shelter for homeless women and chil- visions gripping the nation and world, dren in Baton Rouge. As the youth Halley Perry, a senior at St. Joseph’s dropped off blankets and other collected Academy in Baton Rouge, points to the supplies, clients came in and out and the simple and timeless Golden Rule. staff explained the circumstances that “So many times we get backed up into bring the needy there and the services seeing the world through only our own they receive. viewpoint,” said Perry, who urged peo- “I felt like I was part of something ple to ask themselves before they take very large,” said Perry. any course of action, “Is The future looks this something you would bright for Perry, who has want to happen to you?” been accepted to Loui- “Try to think about siana Tech University in how it would affect oth- Ruston, where she will ers. Put yourself in an- focus on the computer other’s shoes,” said Perry, sciences and philosophy. a member of the adviso- Her faith experienc- ry board of the Office of es inspire her to seek a Black Catholics. quality of life and oppor- A life-long member tunities for people of all of St. Paul the Apostle races. She participated in Church in Baton Rouge, discussions on racial di- Perry said her mother, Halley Perry versity action at SJA. Andrea Perry, and grand- “I want to see if they mother, Anna Perry, also members of St. are going to continue the effort and A group of African America students attending St. Augustine School in Plaque- Paul, influenced her commitment to the changes happen,” said Perry. mine gather to have their picture taken in this undated photo. Photos provided by the Catholic faith. Andrea Perry teaches re- She recently attended a virtual Day of Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge ligious education at St. Paul. Reflection about six African Americans Halley Perry grew up witnessing her on the path to sainthood sponsored by mother and grandmother actively par- the Office of Black Catholics of the Dio- ticipating in the church. cese of Baton Rouge. “My grandmother was a member of Perry most identified with Sister Thea the Knights of St. Peter Claver Ladies Bowman, who has been declared a Ser- Auxiliary (Court #351). She is part of vant of God. A Franciscan Sister, Sis- what prompted me to join the junior ter Thea gave presentations across the daughters,” said Perry, who is junior country. Her lively gatherings included grand lady for the junior daughters. singing, Gospel preaching, prayer and Mary Martin, counselor for the junior storytelling. daughters, also influenced her faith. Her programs focused on breaking “I started the junior daughters when down racial and cultural barriers. Sister I was seven years old, and she has been Thea urged people to communicate with there ever since,” said Perry. “She push- each other so they can understand other es me to be a better Catholic Christian.” cultures and races. Among the junior daughters’ projects “She was very outspoken and confi- is collecting supplies for those in need. dent in what she had to say,” said Perry. “It’s kind of joyous,” said Perry. “I admire that a lot. I try to do that so One of the most meaningful projects people can be heard.”

The Knights of Columbus lead a procession on Corpus Christi in 1988. 8B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020 Deacon Adams a trailblazer in local church history

By Richard Meek person that I am now. This is bad; that’s why I try to be more er, a single mother of five sons con Adams, who also drove The Catholic Commentator how you are supposed to be- of a healer than always criticiz- and a staunch Catholic, that he a school bus, began working have, not to try to please any- ing.” wanted to move back to Vach- part-time at St. Michael Church From humble beginnings body but just please the erie. in Convent, and has never left. rooted in the rich soil on both God that called me to do “I just couldn’t under- His life would change forever sides of the Mississippi River, this. stand it. Many times I when he attended a conference Deacon Alfred Adams’ trail- “Thank God for giving told my mom I am going that he believes the Holy Spirit blazing life has become his me that grace.” to the other side of the used to touch his heart. ministry, a career of working Deacon Adams’ 1990 river.” Deacon Adams felt a desire toward racial equality using the ordination was histor- But Deacon Adams’ to become a priest but knew Gospel as his vehicle. ic and nearly three de- mother, who recently that was impossible. Friends Confronted by racism at cades later he continues passed away, remained suggested he leave the Catholic an early age, when his moth- to embrace his role as steadfast in her commit- Church and become a Baptist er moved him and his siblings an inspiration for future ment to living in Lutch- minister, a realistic solution from Vacherie to Lutcher, Dea- men of color, living proof er, which would mark the since his wife had been raised con Adams has used life’s diffi- of what is possible when beginning of the racism Baptist. cult experiences as guide posts faith is one’s beacon. he would face not only in He knew his heart strived along his journey of becoming “Being the first Afri- his secular life but even for more but was uncertain of the first African American to be can American deacon in as an ordained clergy the answer. ordained a permanent deacon our diocese is something member. He recalls sit- “The calling was real but in the Diocese of Baton Rouge I will never forget,” said ting in the back of the why would God call me to be as well as a community leader Deacon Adams, who is church, complaining to a priest and I know I can’t be in helping bring racial harmony the director of the Of- his mother that he could a priest?” Deacon Adams won- to Baton Rouge. fice of Black Catholics. Deacon Alfred Adams not see the altar and dered. “That’s all I had in mind, Along the way, he has moved “Bishop (Stanley J.) Ott questioning why they to be a priest.” from sitting in the back of the (who ordained Deacon Adams) As an African American would always sit in the rear. Deacon John Veron, cur- church as a youngster to occu- pointed it out to me, I remem- male, Deacon Adams is a liv- She just told him to be patient rently the Director of Diacon- pying the front row with his ber him saying, ‘Alfred, I ap- ing witness to some of the most and let God “take care of it.” ate Ministry and Life for the wife of 47 years, or even being preciate you stepping forward.’ turbulent and difficult times in “When I look back, I say diocese, listened to Deacon Ad- on the altar assisting the cele- “I said, ‘I’m just a guy whom this country’s history. He first this woman planted the seeds ams and suggested to his good brant during Mass. God called.’ But now I look encountered racism as a youth- of faith in me,” Deacon Adams friend that he study to become “All of the stuff that hap- back and (realize) only the Lord ful six-year-old who had moved said. “Don’t try to understand a deacon. pened to me, I thank God for could have done it. It sounds from Vacherie to Lutcher with everything, just surrender to “I didn’t know anything it,” Deacon Adams said. “At the good.” his family. God. She built that faith in me.” about deacons,” Deacon Adams time I didn’t like it but now I “I’m a part of history,” he What he experienced was so It was during those early recalled with a chuckle. look back, it formed me to the added. “I can make this good or hurtful that he told his moth- years when he was forced to In 1985 he began studying learn some of life’s cruelest les- for the diaconate and was or- sons. When his older brother dained in 1990 at the age of died of complications from a 35, becoming not only the first football-related injury, Deacon African American deacon in Adams, 13 at the time, became the diocese but also one of the the man of the house. He was youngest. But even as a mem- left to tend to his younger sib- ber of the clergy, even wearing lings while his mother went to the vestments during Mass, work cooking and babysitting racism was at his doorstep. for others. He recalled one white church Deacon Adams took over member getting up and leaving many of the cleaning and cook- whenever Deacon Adams was The Pastor and Parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Church, ing chores, with cooking being assisting at Mass, a love he has nurtured for de- “Some people still were cades. holding on to the church as a the Oldest African American Parish in Baton Rouge, “From that point, I did what white church,” Deacon Adams I had to do,” Deacon Adams, said. “Then you look at it and Support the Mission of the Racial Harmony Commission the father of three children, say, ‘Wait a minute. This is my including one deceased child, church, too. How can I contrib- in Building Bridges and Fostering Racial Healing and eight grandchildren and a two- ute to this church?’ ” year-old great granddaughter, In 1992, he attended the Na- Transformation. said. “I learned how to cook tional Black Congress in New and clean. You get up and do it Orleans, and shortly after be- every day. came involved with the Office Rev. Edward J. Chiffriller, SSJ, Pastor “I (also) knew I had to be the of Black Catholics. He was ap- breadwinner.” pointed director of the office in Dr. Peter Breaux, Parish Council Chairman After graduating from high 2005, and immediately formed school Deacon Adams found an advisory board comprised of employment at a chemical representatives from all of the plant. When he met his wife, predominantly African Ameri- they moved to Convent, where can parishes in the diocese. He she was raised, and began rais- said residents from such areas ing their own family. as Donaldsonville, Napoleon- It was during that time Dea- SEE ADAMS PAGE 11B November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 9B 7 Josephites’ mission dedicated to African Americans

By Kelly Alexander Patrick Healy, pastor of St. Au- Special to gustine, who is also a board The Catholic Commentator member of the Josephite Pro- Life, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Family St. Joseph may sometimes Committee. seem like an unsung hero of the It wasn’t until 1991 that a lo- Catholic faith. cal Josephite-founded church He isn’t quoted in the Gos- was led by an African American pels, and little is known about priest when Father William Nor- him beyond the accounts of the vel SSJ, was appointed the 14th Nativity and the finding of Jesus pastor of St. Francis Xavier. Fa- in the temple. ther Norvel would make history But he is honored as the again in 2011 when he became church’s first missionary. And the first African American to be following the Civil War, when elected superior general of the American priests and bish- Josephites, headquartered in ops appealed to Rome for help Baltimore. in ministering to newly freed The irony isn’t lost on Fa- slaves, Pope Pius IX issued ther Norvel. Growing up in the the Negro Oath, solicited men racially divided South, he was who would pledge themselves initially discouraged from an- to serving the Black commu- swering God’s call to ministry. nity, and named the new order “Basically, Josephites priests the Society of St. Joseph of the were white,” he told the Mobile Sacred Heart more commonly Press-Register after his historic called the Josephites. appointment. “When I wrote my In 2021 the Josephites will bishop (at age 17) and told him celebrate their 150th anniversa- A gentleman displays a piece of art during an African American exhibit at St. Francis Xavier School in Baton I wanted to join the Diocese of ry. Rouge in 1987. Photo provided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge Jackson, Mississippi, he told me “For over a century, the So- there was no place for me in the ciety of St. Joseph of the Sacred church.” Heart has dedicated itself toward just one example of the signif- built and established the first ern until the Jesuit order took His own pastor at the time, the needs of African Americans, icant impact the order has had parochial school in the diocese over in 1984. Father Edward Lawlor, who was especially to those of the spirit in Baton Rouge. The Josephite of Baton Rouge in 1920. In 2005, the Josephites es- white, had a different vision and the soul, deeply wounded mission first came to Louisiana By 1982, with more than 600 tablished the Josephite Hurri- and encouraged him to attend by racism and racial prejudice to take charge of the Black mis- students, it was the largest of all cane Recovery Center to address the Josephite seminary in New- and to shoulder with them in sions along Bayou Lafourche Josephite parochial schools in the needs of 10 Josephite parish- burgh, New York. Father Lawlor procuring justice and the nation. es, nine schools and thousands paid his way, and Father Norvel, solidarity,” Bishop John Meanwhile the of displaced parishioners who who went on to serve at churches H. Ricard, the Joseph- “For over a century, the Society Josephites were ac- were severely affected by Hurri- in Washington, D.C., Los Ange- ites’ superior general a tive in the surround- canes Katrina and Rita. les, Baltimore, Mobile, Alabama, native of Baton Rouge, of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart ing areas, open- For the past 15 years, the and even his hometown of Pas- said in a statement to ing St. Augustine recovery center has operated cagoula, Mississippi, said, “I Crux after the death of has dedicated itself toward the Church in a rented under the direction of Father persevered.” George Floyd in May. storefront in New “And (we) will continue needs of African Americans, Roads in 1922 and to do so until this land establishing a mis- lives up to its creed that especially to those of the spirit sion in Mix, also in Always pray to have eyes that all are created free.” Pointe Coupee Par- Bishop Ricard, a and the soul, deeply wounded by ish. 1958 graduate of St. The order see the best in people, Francis Xavier High racism and racial prejudice and to brought a more School in Baton Rouge, visible presence to a heart that forgives the worst, entered the Josephite shoulder with them in procuring Southern Universi- College Seminary in ty’s campus in the a mind that forgets the bad, Newburgh, New York justice and solidarity,” late 1960s when and was ordained to Father Rawlin B. the priesthood May 25, Bishop John H. Ricard Enette SSJ began and a soul that never loses 1968 by Bishop Robert Josephites’ Superior General celebrating Mass- E. Tracy at St. Francis es in a courtroom faith in God. Xavier Church in Baton Rouge. when the Augustinians left in of the law school building. Un- He earned his master’s de- 1911. der Father Enette’s leadership, gree from in Seven years later St. Francis the Josephites constructed and New Orleans in 1970. Xavier was established. staffed a Newman Center, lat- In addition to his leadership Under Josephite leadership, er renamed the Martin Luther role with the Josephites, he St. Francis Xavier grew, ex- King, Jr. Catholic Center, for the St. Jean Vianney serves as president of the Na- tending its reach and service by university’s 1,500 or so Catho- tional Black Catholic Congress. opening missions in Plaquemine lics. Church and Schools Bishop Ricard’s vocation- and Scotlandville. The Joseph- The Josephites built a strong 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge al origins and national reach is ites at St. Francis Xavier also Catholic community at South- 10B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020

HISTORY  on the Church,” which was RACISM  white Catholics. Catholic Schools Office for the From page 2B promulgated on Nov. 21, From page 3B “If their stories can be promot- Diocese of Baton Rouge is cur- 1964. With Bishop Tracy’s ed in our church, if their causes rently exploring that possibility. ings, just as there will be no leadership, Paragraph 34 of “Even if you look at the his- be made more public, then Black He also encouraged Catholic segregation in the kingdom this major conciliar publi- tory of slavery, it is taught from Catholics can look at their lives schools to examine current pol- of heaven.” cation would read, “There a white perspective and glanced and say if they can stay with Je- icies and invite people of color In March 1962 he an- is, therefore, in Christ and over and made to look like it’s no sus in the face of persecution, to sit at the table to ensure sure nounced that Catholic in the church no inequality big deal,” he said. “Or Jim Crow then so can I,” Father Johnson there are not written rules that schools in the archdiocese on the basis of race or na- laws are not always being taught said. “But their stories can also discriminate specifically against were to be integrated the tionality, social condition in schools. We are not teaching inspire white Catholics to say ‘I Black girls and to also make sure following September. or sex, because ‘there is nei- the reality of what happened in don’t’ want to be like the many a school’s faculty looks like heav- The founding bishop of ther Jew nor Greek: there is our nation’s history.” white Catholics who chose to do en since heaven looks like people the Diocese of Baton Rouge, neither bond nor free: there Father Johnson said students nothing when they were being of different ethnicities. Bishop Robert E. Tracy, early is neither male nor female. at all levels, including seminari- persecuted. I want to be like the “When Catholic schools be- in his bishopric put not only For you are all one in Christ ans, are being exposed to white few white Catholics who chose to gan in our country they were the diocese but the world Jesus’ ” (Gal. 3:28; cf. Col. authors and few, if any, African accompany them and walk with not for the rich,” Father John- on notice that he would be 3.11). American authors, which he them.’ ” son said. “So why are our Cath- a pathfinder in the struggle Bishop Tracy also pub- called “problematic.” “Instead of our priests preach- olic schools accommodating rich to end racism and embrace lished a pastoral letter on “Our educational experience ing about politics all of the time people now? racial tolerance. As a vocal racism, presided over the is only being taught from one how about they preach about “Let’s look at policies. What participant in the Second total desegregation of dioce- perspective, not from a diverse these six candidate for sainthood are the requirements for people Vatican Council, Bishop Tra- san Catholic schools and de- perspective,” he said. “That is of African descent? That would to get into Catholic schools? Poli- cy spoke for all the Ameri- veloped a syllabus on racial what perpetuates the problem, inspire transformation.” cies need to change.” can Catholic hierarchy and harmony. He directed that the divisions that are in places Father Johnson also outlined Father Johnson urged Catho- urged the council to include it be distributed to teach- that need to be addressed by all a series of changes he believes lics to use their voice to fight un- the word “race” in a draft of ers “in grades seven to 12 to people.” need to be made in Catholic just practices, and to listen, learn a document that originally be used in providing moral Father Johnson said the schools, beginning with adding and pray and then acting because read, “There is no equality guidance for the children of church is the heart of the solu- diverse artwork and statues that “God does use prayer and fasting in Christ and in the church our schools in this import- tion, beginning with his fellow better reflect the school’s enroll- to transform people’s mind.” arising from nationality, so- ant matter of racial justice.” clergy members. He stresses ment and even heaven. “There is no such thing as a cial condition or sex.” Other bishops of Baton that educating Catholics about He said establishing a Black white heaven and a Black heav- His recommendation Rouge have also spoken such people as Blessed August Catholic curriculum must be en,” he added. “Everybody is in was enthusiastically ac- forcefully on racial mat- Tolton and five other Africans established now and added the heaven together.” cepted and appears in one ters. Their contributions to who are on the path to sainthood of the seminal documents the history of race relations is a crucial first step, saying that of Vatican II, “Lumen Gen- in the diocese will be dis- not only were they persecuted tium,” commonly called cussed in subsequent arti- by white Catholics in the church ROAD  companions On the Road to the “The Dogmatic Constitution cles. they were also helped by a few From page 4B Parish, help keep me between the lines and let me know what I’m spirituality of the Black parishio- missing. ners and their total dependence Buckle up for our first trip on God. The deep fountain of together! faith from which they drank was Deacon Dan Borné is a media an inspiration for me then, and it consultant to the Diocese of remains so to this day. Baton Rouge and a member of So I’m looking forward to the Racial Harmony Commis- revisiting that spirituality at sion. He is assigned to St. Jean the churches we’ll travel to over Vianney Church in Baton Rouge. the next several months. As my Email him at [email protected].

he Catholic community stands with all people who struggle for an end to racism and violence, in our families, in our places Tof worship, in our communities and in our world. We must continue to build bridges and we must confront rac- ism and violence with a commitment to life, a vision of hope, and a call to action.

Archbishop Kurtz President of the U.S. Bishop Conference, June 19, 2015 November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 11B 7

ADAMS  ety workshops, as well as as- From page 8B sisted in developing the Racial Harmony prayer. He said it’s “a ville and St. James told him they good prayer and I love it. But DIOCESAN PRAYER felt as if they were being left out. that prayer is supposed to be a He also reached out to a bridge, and a bridge is only as FOR RACIAL HARMONY Southern University student to good as its structure.” bring youth to the board. “If we don’t know how to talk “From there, that is how it got about race, it’s not going to hap- God our Father, You call us to love one another started,” Deacon Adams said, pen,” he added. “Racial sobriety noting how the office has expand- gives you your own voice. Je- as You have loved us. We pray for the conversion ed to host youth conferences and sus came with his voice, Mar- days of reflections, along with tin Luther King (Jr.) came with of hearts in our Diocese of Baton Rouge to bring helping African Americans over- his voice. Nobody can take that come issues that might arise in away from you.” their local churches. He is also working to encour- about racial harmony rooted in Your Son, Jesus Deacon Adams was a found- age more African American vo- ing member of the Racial Har- cations. Father Josh Johnson, Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, strip mony Commission, founded pastor at Holy Rosary Church in 2016 by Bishop Robert W. in St. Amant, is the only African us of our pride, mistrust and prejudices, so that Muench following a summer of American diocesan priest in the racial unrest and violence in Ba- diocese. we may be able to dialogue with one another to ton Rouge. Deacon Adams said he is He said one of the commis- working with the Knights of Pe- sion’s primary missions is to ter Clever and other organiza- build communities where justice, peace and love provide information to the Af- tions to help nurture those vo- rican American community, cations. flourish. We ask these blessings trusting in the hoping that information “can His is a career of many go from the head to the heart to achievements, an architect of infinite mercy of Jesus and the intercession of Mary start forming you as you are sup- bridging the racial divide that posed to be.” divides the community. But per- our Mother. Amen. To achieve that goal, Dea- haps his proudest moment was con Adams has developed and when Bishop Ott ordained him presented several racial sobri- into history.

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A message from Entergy Louisiana, LLC ©2020 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A diocesan liturgical dance troupe performs during an African American Mass at Southern University in 1994. Photo provided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge

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