New Orleans – Xavier University of Louisiana’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS) was established in 1980 as a graduate theology program with a specific mission of forming African American Catholics and others for ministry in Black communities. Founded in 1925 by St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier is the nation’s only historically Black Catholic institution of higher education. Its campus proved to be an ideal site for the IBCS whose summer session offers students a unique learning environment in which they are immersed in rigorous coursework and a rich community

life of Black prayer and culture.  As Xavier approaches its historic centennial, the 2023 IBCS commencement—its 34^th –proved to be an especially joyous celebration. Five students, steeped in the shared mission of Xavier University and the Institute, were awarded the master’s degree of theology: Connie L. Bowie McCalla, Princess McEvilley, Aubry F. Osborn, Derek Rankins, Jr., and Aisha C. Young.

“I am always filled at the graduation of the IBCS; [What an honor] to see the gifts that we’ve prepared and the formation of these that we send off into the world. We are sending you forth with great love,” said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana, during his address of the graduates.

“The fruits of the Institute are needed in the world and for all the Church and in this nation.”

Meet the Graduates

Connie Bowie McCalla is a member of St. Cecilia Parish in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For over 10 years, she served the Black Catholic Community of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a high school Theology teacher, catechist, and adjunct faculty. Most recently, Bowie McCalla volunteered as the educational coordinator for the Refuge Empowerment Support Team at St. Raymond of Pentafort Parish. Bowie McCalla obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Temple University, a Master of Arts in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Richmond School of

Law.  The title of her master’s of theology thesis is “The Black Catholics of St. Elixabeth’s Parish, North Philadelphia: Forged in the Fire of the Great Migration.”

Princess A. McEvilley serves as director of religious education and faith formation, minister of Communion, and archivist for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science at Tuskegee University and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. McEvilley is active locally with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the National Council of Negro

Women, The Links, Inc., and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. Her IBCS thesis is titled “Telling

Our Story: The Founding of Northern Virginia’s Only Black Catholic Church, Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, and Those That Aided in the Formation.”

Derek Rankins, Jr. delivered remarks on behalf of the graduates. He is a New Orleans native and 2016 graduate of Tulane University with a major in Africana Studies and Sociology. He currently teaches African American History at the New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School. Rankins is active in ministry at St. Mary of the Angels Parish and has spent several years in local anti-racism teaching in after-school and summer programs. His thesis research is entitled “Jesus the Educator:

Teaching Practices of Jesus,” and his thesis practicum is entitled “Africana History Club’s Washington, D.C. Tour.”

Aubry F. Osborn, a 20-year catechist and religious educator, resides in Los Angeles, California. He received his bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from California State, Domingus Hills. Osborn is a member of St. Agatha Parish and volunteers with the local LGBTQ community. Upon traveling to New Orleans for his IBCS Commencement, he suffered a heart attack and chose to complete his comprehensive exam from his hospital room, attending his Commencement virtually. His thesis was entitled, “Sankofa Spirit: The Life and Ministry of Father Aubry Felix Osborn, First African American Priest Ordained for a Southern Diocese in the United States,” and focused on the vocation of his late uncle.

Aisha C. Young is an enthnogeronotologist of the Diocese of Colorado Springs who facilitates workshops on advance care planning and ministry with Black, Catholic elders. Young received degrees in gerontology and founded African Americans in Gerontology. Her Th.M. research and practicum are respectively entitled “Meet Me at the Crossroads: Shifting Perspectives on Advance Directives of Older

Black Catholic Adults” and “Where We’ll Never Grow Old: Advance Care Planning for Older Black Catholic Adults in the Rockies.”

The IBCS, an interdisciplinary pastoral theology program, develops lay women and men, religious and clergy, to be effective evangelizers and disciples of Christ, keeping with the mission of Xavier University of Louisiana to promote a more just and humane society, to prepare its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society.  This shared mission contributes to Xavier’s unique prominence today.

The IBCS will reconvene in 2024, June 30-July 19. For more information, please visit the website at www.xula.edu/ibcs or contact the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at (504)520-7691 or ibcs@xula.edu.

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About Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.

Established in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African American and Native Americans to receive quality education, Xavier has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided Xavier students (3,419 students) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning Xavier formula provides students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or contact Regi Reyes at (504) 520-5240 or rreyes@xula.edu.