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A few months ago we saw a powerful video about the legacy of faith of Black Catholics in New Orleans featuring Dr. Ansel Augustine. Ever since we’ve wanted a chance to interview Dr. Augustine and dive a little deeper in the rich history of Black Catholic faith and culture. This year has highlighted the injustice present in our society. What is the way forward for Catholics and for the Church? Today’s guest has so much wisdom to share.
Dr. Ansel Augustine is the Executive Director of Cultural Diversity and Outreach for the Archdiocese of Washington. He is the former Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He is also on the Faculty of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. He began his career in ministry over 20 years ago when he became the youth minister at his home parish of St. Peter Claver in the Treme area of New Orleans, which he helped to rebuild following hurricane Katrina. Dr. Augustine has worked in prison ministry for over 25 years in various capacities. He is also a member of the Wild Tchoupitoulas (Black Masking) Mardi Gras Indians (and if you don’t know the history behind this, get ready! It’s fascinating).
In this episode we talk about how the Church (and especially Catholics of color) can find hope in the heroic faithfulness of Black Catholic saints and Catholic ancestors, the history of New Orleans that makes it such a Catholic city, and what the Church can do to serve, support, and include Catholics who have been pushed to the margins by society (and even other Catholics). Dr. Augustine also shares about the connections between indigenous people in Louisiana and enslaved people that were the origins of traditions still celebrated today–some amazing history that may be unfamiliar to folks outside of Louisiana.
It’s a great conversation so grab a cup of coffee (and since we’re talking about NOLA, maybe a beignet?) and enjoy!
Things we talked about today:
Black Faith Matters: A video about New Orleans and Black Catholic faith
To find Dr. Augustine:
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Episode was so good!! Also, as a Louisianian, I thought it was so weird as a kid when I found out other people don’t get out of school for Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday.
Yes! I love hearing about traditions like that from my husband who grew up there!
Thanks for this one! I love learning about diverse traditions within our Faith, and Dr. Augustine’s interview brought up so many things I did not know.