Celebrating the opening Mass for the National Black Catholic Congress meeting in the Washington, D.C., area on July 21, Cardinal Wilton Gregory emphasized the important role of visionaries in building a better world.

Addressing an estimated 3,000 African American Catholics from 80 dioceses across the United States gathered for Congress XIII of the National Black Catholic Congress in the Washington, D.C., area from July 20-23, Cardinal Wilton Gregory welcomed them to “a family reunion,” and encouraged them to center their lives on the Eucharist in order to bring Christ’s love and hope to the world.

The coalition, known as CHIRLA — along with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Central American Resource Center, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, city and county officials — had been meeting since 2022 to prepare for these exact scenarios.

Hormonal contraceptives do not belong on drug counter shelves.

The in-person support group that combines a biblically based curriculum with fellowship and discussion helped the 24-year old “get through times that were not so great, and helped me stay strong in my faith.”