Fr. Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men’s Conference

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was represented by four Vincentians – Mark Warren of New Jersey, Myron Hubbard of Chicago, Ill., Bruce Steward of Houston, Texas, and Bernard Onwuemelie of Detroit, Mich. – at the Fr. Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men’s Conference in New Orleans, La. on September 4-7, 2025. The theme for the conference was “The Forge” taken from Matthew 28:19-20. The Conference Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans.

Malachi Williams, a St. Augustine High School senior, opened the conference with a rousing address followed by a standing ovation. He reminded the attendees that “every time they fall down, every time they feel broken, and every time they ask when is this tough time going to end, just remember that every time He woke you up and sent you on your way, that was Him telling you, ‘I will keep on making a way.’”

More than 250 men heard keynote speakers and shared in multiple workshops designed to strengthen their spirituality and empower them to make a difference. The youth in attendance experienced a dynamic workshop entitled “Building Young Black Men’s Leadership Identity, Capacity, and Efficacy.”

Throughout the conference the attendees visited the SVdP booth and received literature promoting the Society. The Multicultural Diversity Committee will are following up with attendees who requested additional information.