African Catholic Community of Rhode Island Celebrates 25 Years of Faith, Culture, and Service
FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Edmund Z. Bargblor
Media Relations Coordinator
African Catholic Community of Rhode Island
Edmundbargblor@gmail.com
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — May 25, 2026 — The African Catholic Community of Rhode Island (ACC-RI) will officially mark its 25th anniversary on July 12, 2026 — a quarter-century of spiritual fellowship, cultural preservation, and humanitarian service in the Ocean State. Founded in July 2001, the organization has grown from a grassroots initiative into a cornerstone of diversity within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence.
Anniversary celebrations and a milestone Sunday Mass will be held at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, 99 Camp Street, Providence — the community’s spiritual home. Known throughout the region for its vibrant, culturally rich liturgies and celebrated choir, the ACC-RI welcomes all to join in the July festivities.
“We are deeply grateful for the vision of our founders and the continued growth of our community,” said Rev. Father Lazarus E. Onuh, current Chaplain. “For 25 years, this community has been a beacon of faith, a sanctuary for cultural preservation, and a lifeline for those in need.”
A Legacy of Faith and Community
The ACC-RI was established in July 2001 when the late Bishop Robert E. Mulvee approved a request from Rev. Father Jude O. Onuchukwu to celebrate Mass specifically for African Catholics within the Diocese of Providence. The community’s inaugural Mass was held on October 14, 2001, at St. Edward Church in North Providence. Rev. Fr. Onuchukwu — now assigned in Rome, Italy — is warmly remembered for his founding leadership and vision. Today, the community flourishes under the spiritual guidance of Rev. Father Lazarus E. Onuh, who also serves as Parish Administrator.
25 Years of Impact
Over the past quarter-century, the ACC-RI has made a profound impact through local and international initiatives, including:
- Promoting Priestly Vocations: The ACC-RI has become a seedbed for vocations to the priesthood. More than four community members have been ordained as Catholic priests in dioceses across the United States, and two current members are in seminary discerning their calls to the catholic priesthood.
- Unique Fellowships: The community established the African Women’s Guild, the African Men’s Guild, and Knights of Columbus Council #73 (Mary Queen of Africa) — believed to be the only African-operated Knights of Columbus council in the United States. 
- Humanitarian Aid: The ACC-RI is at the forefront of welcoming and supporting newly arriving immigrants from across Africa, helping them navigate their transition and find community.
- Youth and Education: The community has hosted a variety of events that include an annual charity bazaar and Christmas party for children, Igbo language classes for children, Youth Day celebrations and a telethon/clothing bank for the Relief Services Unit of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. It continues to provide educational resources and opportunities for young people while helping them connect with their African heritage, roots, and values.
Looking Ahead
As it enters its next chapter, the ACC-RI remains committed to expanding its social support systems, fostering religious vocations, and deepening its collaboration with the Office of Black Catholic Ministry in the Diocese of Providence.
Weekly Sunday Masses are held at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Updated schedules for the July 2026 anniversary events will be posted on the parish website and through the Rhode Island Catholic news outlet.
About the African Catholic Community of Rhode Island, The African Catholic Community of Rhode Island (ACC-RI) serves to strengthen the faith of African Catholics, perform humanitarian acts, and provide support for the sick and disadvantaged. Based at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Providence, the community promotes Catholic teachings, spiritual growth, and cultural preservation, fostering an environment that celebrates diversity within the Roman Catholic Church.