AAMEN ESSAY WINNER: Aiden D.
The African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization Network (AAMEN) invites you to join us in celebration of National Black Catholic History Month (NBCHM). In 1990, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus designated November as NBCHM. The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus chose Notre Dame University’s Theodore Hesburgh Library to entrust the archives. These historical documents contain information about African-American Catholic priests, sisters, brothers, deacons, seminarians and lay people. November also marks a time, when in loving remembrance, the church prays for all saints and souls, as well as a time to recall the saints and souls of Africa and African diaspora.
To celebrate NBCHM, St. Michael Chapter of AAMEN collaborated with St. Michael School to introduce the Middle School students to the inspiring life of Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange, a pioneering woman of faith and the founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence. Venerable Lange, born in Cuba and later an immigrant to the United States, dedicated her life to education, care for the sick, and service to those in need, especially within the African American community. Through their studies, students explored her remarkable journey and her lasting impact on the Catholic Church.
Sixth Grade – Aiden D.
Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange
The hero, the helper, and a true servant and follower of Jesus—who was Mary Elizabeth Lange, and why should she be a saint?
Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange’s life was rough, especially because she had a different skin color than everyone else. So how did this impact her life? To answer that question, we must explore her background. Our story starts in the western part of the island of St. Domingue (currently known as Haiti), where a girl named Elizabeth Lange was born sometime in 1789. Her mother was Annette Lange, and her father’s name is unknown. She had a mixed heritage. However, life wasn’t so peaceful there due to the revolution at St. Domingue and the Napoleonic Revolution. This situation caused the emigration of many people, including poor Elizabeth. Lange came to the United States and landed on the shores of Maryland. She spoke fluent French and was well-educated. Now this is where we get into the meat of the story—the real challenges and troubles Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange went through in her life. But what can be so bad about life in America?
Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange came to America at the wrong time. That’s right—she came in when slavery was legal in the United States. As stated before, Lange could only speak French, whereas people there spoke English. Keep in mind that men did most of the things in America at that time. So, it was almost impossible for her to survive. At the same time, the effects of the French Revolution sent many European Catholics to America; among those was a group of immigrants who were priests called the Sulpician Fathers. They started a seminary for priests, a college for the laity, and catechism classes for people of color. Father James Marie Hector Nicholas Joubert de la Murallie, the priest in command, needed volunteers to read to the children. Lange volunteered to do so despite her financial struggles, not to mention the danger of slavery. This shows that no matter the cost, she’d be willing to help others, just like our Lord Jesus Christ.
Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange desired to become a religious sister. Despite her passion to become a nun, no convent would accept her; that was a known fact. There was no hope in that, or was there? You see, she consulted with Father Joubert about this seemingly improbable dilemma. They worked together and, with God’s help, started a religious sisterhood for people of African American descent. She began a new Catholic school, and as small as it was, the curriculum was similar to the one in white private schools! Students raised and educated in this tiny, rented house even grew up and started private schools of their own! Nothing changed in America—slavery was still legal. She didn’t have to do this. But she did exactly what Jesus said, “Let the children come”, and gave these little ones a proper education. The saintly behavior Lange displayed was incredible.
But what about Lange being a nun? Oh yes, we’ll talk about it right now! Lange and three of her companions in 1829 professed their vows to become nuns! Lange changed her name to Souer Marie (Sister Mary). She became the Superior General for the Oblate Sisters of Providence. She even decided to take in homeless children and widows (at the time, widows were mistreated)! Lange had a heart of gold and was always willing to help others!
Good can’t last forever, though, can it? You see, with all these people, expansion was necessary. The rough, rugged life they had to live was intolerable. The archbishop at the time even suggested that she leave her religious life for a more practical career. Lange denied this—she would never break her vows to God, no matter what. This choice, to carry on, forced more labor, poverty, and hardship for her and the sisters. So, they would do it: they’d wash, iron, sew, and they did extra labor so all these things would not only help them but their community.
However, great things come about from God. One day, a Bavarian priest, named Thaddeus Anwander, requested permission from the archbishop to assist Lange. The archbishop was skeptical. Despite this, Father Anwander insisted on doing so. The archbishop finally approved, and Father Anwander was able to help Lange and the Oblate Sisters of Providence progress with their mission tremendously. Students got enrolled, many more young women of color got to embrace the religious life, and they even built a school for African males! The Oblate Sisters’ story spread, allowing them to open new schools and even fulfill a mission in Cuba! The original school the Oblate Sisters started was known as St. Frances Academy. The academy still exists today and is thriving!
Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange died in the city where she started it all. I believe she should be a saint, not because of her hardships but because of how she handled them. She always chose Christ in her actions and loved her neighbor as herself, just as our Lord Jesus Christ did. She persevered through all the challenges and trusted in God regardless of the circumstances. She was always faithful to God throughout her life. This is why Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange should be a saint; her Christ-like actions truly reflect who she is.
Works Cited
Merriam-Webster
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)