Black Catholic History Month: “Black Catholic agents of Underground Railroad recognized” (Article Share-The Record)

ARTICLE: “Black Catholic agents of Underground Railroad recognized” by Ruby Thomas in The Record

Found this piece last week and thought it was a great one to share for this month’s celebration. Here are some excerpts with a link to the full article.

“The late James Madison Smith Sr. and Catherine “Kitty” Smith, formerly enslaved Catholics, are being recognized as agents of the Underground Railroad.”

“During the 1850s, worsening conditions for Black people in the South led the Smiths to move from Louisville to Jennings County, Ind. Their farm — located about 29 miles from the Ohio River — became a shelter for enslaved people fleeing for freedom, said Deacon Ned Berghausen, who led the effort to recognize the Smiths.”

“Years earlier, James Madison Smith had purchased his freedom and that of Catherine Smith and they were married in 1837 at St. Louis Church, now the site of the Cathedral of the Assumption.” 

“Deacon Berghausen said in a recent interview that historicalRecords show the couple were part of a community of free and enslaved Black Catholics who worshipped at St. Louis. The community ‘supported each other in faith and the fight for freedom.’”

“The Smiths “risked their lives for freedom for others,” said Deacon Berghausen, who serves at St. Agnes Church. “I think they were moved by the Gospel,” particularly the Gospel of Luke where Jesus Christ said he’s come to proclaim liberty to captives.”

Be sure to check out the rest of the story: “Black Catholic agents of Underground Railroad recognized”