Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity share memories of Seek 2026. Novice Sister Rose Reed submits her review here in particular commenting on the Black Catholic Gathering.
I went to the SEEK’s 2026 conference this year. It was my first time attending as a Religious Sister, but my second time altogether. This year we gathered in Columbus, OH with thousands of Catholics from all over the Midwest. The keynote speakers were wonderful, but I wanted to especially highlight Sr. Josephine Garrett from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Sister Josephine grew up in the south as a black woman and was a convert to Catholicism. Eventually she became a Sister and works as a licensed counselor. I loved hearing her speak about us trying to work against what God intended for us with her example of trying to make orange juice with a coffee maker. However, she insisted that we must still be open to asking questions as the Body of Christ so that we may receive what our true instructions from God.
As amazing as all the speakers were, what I really enjoyed was getting to speak with all the faith-filled people. I met so many religious, priests, lay consecrated, and those just beginning their journey into the faith. I overheard a young man saying he was converting to Catholicism because he felt called to the priesthood and figured he better become Catholic as soon as possible. Hearing all the individual stories from people and Sr. Josephine’s talk inspired me to attend the Black Catholic gathering sponsored by Howard University.
Getting to hear the stories from other Black Catholics about their experiences was very important for me. I sometimes felt like I needed to sacrifice some of my heritage in order to embrace the Catholic faith and that can be an isolating feeling. It was nice to know I was not alone with that thought. I was baptized as a baby and had pretty much grown up Catholic or Catholic-adjacent since childhood, but I got to hear from Black converts in the room with their own struggles in OCIA, especially from other Catholics discouraging them from converting. I saw these varieties of experiences with this connecting thread between us so lovely to be apart of.
One thing about the Catholic Church I do love is the variety in the ways of celebrating the liturgy and in worship. While the Mass was very traditional, the third day’s Adoration in the large hall at the convention center was very much praise and worship. There was an impromptu procession beginning and lots of people were being moved by the Spirit.
It was so inspiring to see all the young people excited about their faith and to take it back home with them after the conference. It gives me hope for the future of our faith and for humanity in general.
The post Franciscan Sisters Seek 2026 Memories Part Two: Black Catholic Gathering appeared first on Franciscan Sisters.