Statement of Bishop Michael F. Burbidge for National Black Catholic History Month

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington issued a statement to observe National Black Catholic History Month throughout November. He expressed gratitude for the service of African American priests, clergy, and lay faithful within the diocese.

The bishop noted that seven African American Catholics are currently on the path to canonization. He highlighted the cause of Servant of God Martin de Porres Maria Ward, which opened in 2022. Maria Ward was a convert baptized at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., and later served as the first African American Conventual Franciscan in North America before conducting missions in Brazil.