Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope Mass Celebrating Black Catholics

In commemoration of Black Catholic History Month, the Black Catholic Ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento invites everyone to join us at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, 1019 11th Street, in Downtown Sacramento, for a Mass on November 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

November was designated as Black Catholic History Month by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus in 1990 to highlight the legacy and rich history and contributions of Black Catholics to the Roman Catholic Church and wider society. November was chosen for this annual commemoration due to a number of dates significant for Black Catholics, including the feast days of Black saints, such as St. Martin de Porres (Afro-Peruvian; November 3) and St. Augustine of Hippo (North Africa; November 13). November 7 is also the anniversary of the founding of the Knights of Peter Claver, the largest and oldest predominantly Black Catholic fraternal organization, with Councils (Knights) and Courts (Ladies) throughout the nation and on San Andrés Isla, Colombia, South America. Black Catholic History Month seeks to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Catholics; educate others about the history and heritage of Black Catholics; highlight the presence and influence of Black Catholics throughout Church history; promote awareness of Black Catholic saints and figures; and encourage reflection on the broader history of Christianity in Africa and the African diaspora.

The Northern California Inter-Councils and Courts of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary will be on hand celebrating their Founder’s Day,  the 116th anniversary of the founding of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, Inc. in Mobile, Alabama on November 7, 1909. The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, Inc. (https://www.kofpc.org/) is the oldest and largest predominately Black Catholic fraternal organization in the country. 

 The Main Celebrant and Homilist for the Mass will be Reverend Anthony Bozeman, SSJ, a Roman Catholic priest of St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Josephites, from Washington, DC. Ordained a priest in Philadelphia, PA, on May 20, 2000, Fr. Bozeman served in pastoral ministry in Philadelphia, Houston, New Orleans, and Los Angeles before being named Academic Dean of St. Joseph’s Seminary in Washington, DC, as well as the Assistant Director of Vocations for the Josephites. In July of this year, Reverend Bozeman was appointed the Director of Vocations for the Josephites. Fr. Bozeman is a past president of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus and beloved mentor to the National Black Catholic Seminarians Association, who is devoted to increasing and supporting priestly vocations. Fr. Bozeman is known for his high energy and dynamic, engaging preaching style and is highly sought after, nationally, for preaching, revivals, and retreats!

Music will be provided by a choir under the direction of Mr. L. Rob Robinson from St. Basil the Great Catholic Church in Vallejo and St. Boniface Catholic Church in San Francisco, with accompaniment by Mr. Calvin Lymos, who directs the St. Anne Gospel Choir at St. Anne Catholic Church in Sacramento. The Sacramento Igbo Catholic Community Choir will also provide music for the Mass.

Bring your Bibles and join us for a night of great preaching and spirit-filled music! All are invited and welcome!