This week in Christian history: first black Catholic bishop; Indian evangelist; England bans Christmas
First African-American Catholic Bishop consecrated – June 2, 1875
This week marks the anniversary of when the first African-American bishop in the Roman Catholic Church, James Augustine Healy, was consecrated.
The son of an Irish immigrant and a slave, Healy was made a bishop at a ceremony held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine.
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“During his reign, Healy established numerous churches, schools, convents, and welfare institutions,” explained Britannica, who noted that the population of his New England-based diocese doubled under his leadership.
“On his 25th anniversary as bishop, he was named assistant to the papal throne, a position only one step below cardinal in the church hierarchy.”
