Milagros Ramos

From October through November we are given plenty of opportunities to celebrate our faith with the various cultures represented here in our diocese. In November, the Church in the United States celebrates Black Catholic History Month, the Puerto Ricans in our community will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Providence and the Native American Community celebrate National Native American Heritage Month.

The Diocese of Buffalo invites you to a celebration which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26, at Holy Cross Church in Buffalo. It is an African celebration in which Bishop Richard J. Malone will celebrate Mass at 10 a.m., followed by a Thanksgiving bazaar. All are welcome to join him and the African community in thanksgiving for all that God has given us.

The bazaar will offer the opportunity to celebrate by the sharing of African foods and dance. There will be an auctioning of gifts. The proceeds from the auction will go toward Buffalo Peace House.

Black Catholic History Month was started by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States in 1990. They ask that we as a Church celebrate the long history and proud heritage of black Catholics. As part of that celebration the Office of Cultural Diversity has various resources available for your use on Black Catholic History. One resource available is a daily "Did You Know?" about Black Catholic history. Did you know that from the 266 popes of the Catholic Church, three are known to be of African descent? It goes on to give the information of who they are. For information send us an email.

On Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. at St. Martin de Porres on Northampton Street, we will have the All Saints Day celebration with an emphasis on African saints.

Since the United States is celebrating the 50th anniversaries of several important civil rights milestones, the United States Conference of Bishops Office of Cultural Diversity African-American committee has put together an initiative called, "Rebuilding the Bridge: African-American Affairs, 50th Anniversary Initiative." You can find information about it on their website. They have various resources, events and other information that can be useful. Visit the USCCB website under the Cultural Diversity office.

In November, there will be a special showing of the movie "Sisters of Selma." You may contact the Office of Cultural Diversity for the time and place.