Michael R. Heinlein - Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood

It is my profound honor to add my voice in support of Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood. This book gives an insightful look at the Black Americans that are on the path to canonized sainthood in the Catholic Church. The book introduces readers to six Black Americans who dealt in their lifetimes with the human denigration and suffering that is manifested by Americas original sin of racism. Yet they not only persevered, but truly lived as Christian people, which so many Americans claim to be, but whose actions do not support that claim. These Black Americans sought to show love, compassion, and forgiveness to all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or station in life. All of the men and women you will meet in Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood through their faith in God and by giving of themselves to Gods people, their sisters and brothers did what Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman said: We must return love, no matter what. These men and women show us the way forward.

Most Reverend Roy E. Campbell Jr., auxiliary bishop of Washington, president of the National Black Catholic Congress

Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood is an inspiring look at six holy Black men and women who mirrored Christ in service to others. All of them persevered, despite the many rejections they encountered, giving Black Catholics today the inspiration to meet the obstacles of racial inequity with equal grace and love, and providing insight to all Catholics, regardless of race, into the effects of systemic racism and the many gifts and talents people of color bring to the Church. The accompanying reflections, written by Catholic laity and religious, provide deeper insight into the lives of the six candidates for Canonization, and how best we can learn from them and emulate their examples in our own lives.

The National Black Catholic Congress

Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood is a great expos on the lives and faith of some of our Black ancestors who responded with both prayer and action to overcome racism. Discovering through this book their life stories, their suffering, and their faith-filled response, one is inspired to seek the conversion of hearts with regard to racism through prayer and action so that we too can aspire to be saints by the manner in which we love one another.

Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre, bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism

Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood provides a glimpse into the power of Gods grace at work in the lives of men and women who were often treated with disdain. The Archdiocese of Denver has been blessed by the heroic, charitable witness of Julia Greeley on our streets, in our churches, and in our homes. This book extends that blessing to all who are seeking additional examples of courage, perseverance, and determination. As our country and Church work to address racism, may we turn to these holy men and women for their example and intercession.

Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, archbishop of Denver

Michael Heinlein performs a great service in bringing together engaging reflections on and portraits of Black Catholics who are on the road to sainthood. Their stories differ, but they have at least one thing in common: They rose above the racism of their day to the heights of holiness. From their place in eternity, they challenge us to root out racism from our midst. This volume should prompt us to pray and work for the canonization of these worthy witnesses to the Lords truth and love.

Most Reverend William E. Lori, archbishop of Baltimore

Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood gives us an opportunity to become better acquainted with six black women and men from the United States and to be inspired by their lives of faith. As we strive for holiness, we are given the privilege to learn more about their journey to canonization and to participate in their process.

Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, archbishop of New Orleans

The last three bishops of Rome have called Christs Church to a New Evangelization, a renewal of the mandate given at Pentecost: to carry on the mission of the Redeemer. Heinleins book offers us a glimpse of a central theme of our renewal personal witness, the heart of it seen in the cloud of witness of these holy ones. These men and women of color lived their faith life and became living gospels of the gift: the passion of the cross, seen in the evil of racism; the liberation of the Resurrection, recognized in the courage of the prophets; and the songs of the kingdom, heard and shared in the joy of the Spirit. They call us to witness.

Most Reverend David P. Talley, bishop of Memphis

Can anything good come from Nazareth? was Nathaniels response in Johns Gospel to Philips invitation to meet Jesus. Philips words in reply echo down the centuries: Come and see (Jn 1:4546). Within this book is a cohort of six awe-inspiring disciples who encountered the Lord and proved that, when grasped by Jesus Christ, God can raise up goodness from anywhere. As former slaves and descendants of chattel slavery, they bore fruit a hundredfold in their time and place and bequeathed to the Church a lasting legacy. I invite all who yearn for racial justice and peace to come and see in this book six Black women and men who show us the path to life in this world as they continue on the road to sainthood.

Most Reverend Joseph Kopacz, bishop of Jackson

Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood is essential reading for all Catholics, particularly at this time in our countrys history. There is a common thread in the stories of these six holy men and women: a strong faith, love for others, and personal sacrifice. I appreciate OSV raising awareness of the lives of these candidates for sainthood. It is my hope that reading about their lives and struggles will inspire not just devotion but others to follow in their footsteps. The world desperately needs models of holiness and virtue like the ones contained in this short volume. May their testimony of faith help us bring healing and reconciliation to a divided world and inspire us to respond to our own call to holiness.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Prez, archbishop of Philadelphia, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church

Michael R. Heinlein, Editor

Foreword by

Archbishop Jos H. Gomez

Nihil Obstat

Msgr. Michael Heintz, Ph.D.

Censor Librorum

Imprimatur

Kevin C. Rhoades

Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend

January 14, 2021

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Introduction, Biographies, and Afterword Copyright 2021 by Michael R. Heinlein

Reflections Copyright 2021 by Our Sunday Visitor

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