OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION

Our Lady of Consolation, Charlotte's only African-American Catholic parish, was founded in 1955, but its history traces back to 1941 when Bishop Eugene McGuinness invited the Redemptorist Fathers to reach out to the African-American community. In those early years, it is noted that thirteen black Catholics gathered in celebration with Father Petrach at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Oaklawn Avenue, where there were both living quarters for the priests and social rooms for the members. After the priest and people began spreading the faith, the congregation grew and a second parish was established, Saint Mary's, which was located on McDowell Street. Masses were held at each site... Our Lady of Consolation is a Catholic Christian community celebrating the rich heritage of both Roman Catholicism and African-American traditions.

Primary location: Charlotte United States