The Diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry and the Vocations Office collaborated to organize the 2025 Black Catholic History Month Revival, a religious event spanning two days from Nov. 23 to 24. The two-day revival took began at All Saints Catholic Church in Anniston and concluded the second evening at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Bessemer. The theme, “Preserving Our Presence, So the World Will Never Forget,” emphasized both spiritual and cultural renewal and encouraged participants to respond to God’s call to vocations.

The first night of the revival was hosted by Brenda Dianne Green, parish administrator of All Saints. The revivalist for the evening was the Father Vernon L. Huguley, who serves as the Vicar of Black Catholic Ministry and pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover. Dr. Ansel Augustine, assistant director of African American Affairs Secretariat of Cultural Diversity for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, delivered the keynote address. The Diocesan Gospel Choir, Voices of The New Testament, filled the night with spiritual energy, performing several beautiful renditions of Catholic hymns infused with African American culture and Southern Gospel.

The next night at St. Francis of Assisi the Voices of The New Testament gospel choir continued to inspire those gathered. Father Gerald Hollway, pastor of Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Trussville, served as the revivalist. He was joined by Father Paul Asih, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, with Father Huguley presiding over the event. Dr. Augustine returned as keynote speaker. A memorable highlight was a surprise presentation by the parish’s youth, who portrayed and shared a brief history of each of the seven African American Catholics currently on the path to sainthood. 

Both nights of the revival were filled with powerful talks, sermons, and music that boasted the African American culture of the Church and stirred the hearts of those present, inspiring many to consider vocations within the Church and utilize worship, prayer, service, and the God-given talents of each person to further God’s Kingdom through vocations, evangelization, and obedience to His word.