Feb 15, 2021
Last summer, Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh made an important announcement; Saint Benedict the Moor, a historic parish in the Hill District near downtown Pittsburgh, would become a personal parish in the Black Catholic tradition.
His announcement came in the midst of nationwide protests against systemic racism. In an interview following the announcement, Bishop Zubik said the timing wasn’t intentional— it was providential. The Diocese and parishioners at Saint Benedict had been in communication since the beginning of the year.
Saint Benedict the Moor parish has served Black Catholics in Pittsburgh since the late 19th century. This week on CNA Newsroom, we take a look at that history and we’ll talk with two priests about their hopes for Saint Benedict’s future. We’ll also look at the role of historically Black Protestant churches in the lives of Black Americans— and talk about what the Catholic Church could learn from that.
Listen to the full episode below.