The number of Black Catholics is increasing worldwide, especially on the continent of Africa. This World Council of Families gathering takes another critical look at the role of families in society and the challenges they face.
One event to look for will be Bea Joyner’s photo exhibit entitled: “Oneness: A Celebration of Black Catholics.” Ms. Joyner may be the only photographer documenting Black Catholic life and this exhibit is especially timely as people are trying to understand Catholicism. There are approximately three million Black Catholics in the United States, an important and vital aspect of the Black community, which has largely been ignored. Her photographs are a reflection of the richness and variety that exists in the Catholic community. They show, as with any church, Catholics are simply people seeking to understand God.
Oneness (Part 1)
I say my prayers at night but it’s not enough to give me the oneness I need. So I talk to the Lord as I go about my day giving praise and thanks for all he sends my way.
There is good and there is bad, Each having its place, for without the bad, how could I appreciate the good. Two halves do make a whole. In order truly appreciate my highs I have to look up from my lows seeking oneness.
I don’t always understand why things go as they do but I know “Thy will be done.. “even though I keep meddling in God’s affairs.
I try hard to turn things over to Him saying “…but just let me do this one more thing.” As the saying goes, “Too many cooks spoil the soup.” Thankfully, God understands this child of His and forgives my meddling ways. It’s the oneness that I seek. How will I know if I succeed? I think that is easy to understand. It won’t be me who answers. It won’t be He who calls. There will only be the oneness. Amen.
Beatrice Joyner Photo and Poem copyrighted 1993
