Reflections from the National Black Catholic Congress XIII

My Experience at the National Black Catholic Congress

Samuel Williams, age 13

I had a lot of fun at the National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC) which took place at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, Maryland. This was my first time attending the NBCC, and I attended the youth sessions.

On the first night of the NBCC, Wilton Cardinal Gregory and retired Bishop J. Terry Steib held a question and answer session for the youth. They talked about the obstacles that they overcame to become priests, as well as many other interesting life experiences. I got to meet Cardinal Gregory, Bishop Steib, and Bishop Campbell too!

On the second day, I attended a session on how to write a vision. It was led by Fr. Dwayne Davis and Tatiana Jones. During the session, we created vision boards. I made my board from magazine pictures and words. I also attended a session on vocations. I really enjoyed learning about many vocations and God’s calling. I also went to Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It was a super-Mass! It had a lot of people, a large choir, many Bishops, many priests, many deacons, many religious brothers, many altar servers, and Cardinal Gregory. I was amazed. Later that evening, my mother and I went to the reception at the National Museum for African American History and Culture. I met Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune at the museum. He is a very nice person. I saw the museum exhibit on the Middle Passage and on pre-colonial West African cultures. I was sad to see how people were kidnapped and sold into slavery.

On the third day, I attended a session on Catholic campus ministry at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). I thought the session was cool. Later that day, I attended a session on mental health by Sr. Josephine Garrett. I learned about how the teen brain functions. It was very interesting. I also attended Fr. Josh Johnson’s session on Black Catholics on the road to sainthood. His session was very enjoyable. I had a lot of fun. On the last day, I attended the closing Mass. The music was great.

Overall, I had a wonderful experience. All of the food tasted great, especially the desserts. I am looking forward to attending again in five years.