'He loved all of God's children'

I have been asked to write about my friend and mentor, Bishop Fernand Cheri III, OFM. He was not only my supervisor in my role as director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, but he was also someone I modeled my ministry after.

For those of us who knew Bishop Cheri, more affectionately known as Bishop Ferd, he loved people. Not only was he one of the few African-American Catholic bishops, he was a staunch advocate of the needs of those on the margins of society. 

My first encounter with Bishop Ferd was in 2000. He was Father Ferd then and was trying to get me to be a priest during our first conversation. After I sarcastically told him he needed to check with my girlfriend first, he left that conversation alone, but he was still supportive of my ministry journey.  

In 2015, we reconnected when he became my supervisor after being ordained an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We worked on many projects for, and beyond, Black Catholic communities around the country. That is why he was invited to write the afterword for my book, “Leveling the Praying Field: Can the Church We Love, Love Us Back?” (available on Amazon) that addresses some of the ills of society and our Church.

During our time together, I saw a man who loved all of God’s children, no matter their background. I admired the fact that the bishop was not impressed by titles, politics or wealth. He just wanted to serve those in need. 

I remember his comments at St. Louis Cathedral after his ordination (bit.ly/3Ge0yxa) in which he had the whole church up singing and dancing. 

The world continues to mourn the loss of Bishop Cheri, but, for those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, it is our task to keep his spirit alive by spreading his joy, hospitality and advocacy for the marginalized to all around us.

Dr. Ansel Augustine is the director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, a two-time Loyola University New Orleans graduate. He serves as an adjunct faculty member at Loyola University New Orleans. He wrote this reflection for Loyola University New Orleans.