Lafayette Woman Now Leads National Black Catholic Organization

A Lifelong Calling

All her life, Hilda Wiltz has been preparing to assume leadership of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. In July, that dream became reality when the 63-year-old Rayne native was sworn in as the 15th Supreme Lady of the Catholic fraternal organization’s women auxiliary. Founded in the early 1900s, the Ladies Auxiliary has more than 8,000 women members across the United States, with courts in South America and Africa, as well as four collegian units.

Rooted in Claverism

Becoming an integral part of the organization, which is committed to “spreading faith, hope and love through friendship, unity, and Christian charity,” has been Wiltz’s calling since birth. Her parents and both sets of grandparents were heavily involved in Claverism and watched Wiltz follow in their footsteps in Claverism from an early age, just like her six sisters and four brothers.

Looking to the Future

Going forward, “Restore, Revitalize and Renew” is the organization’s mantra, and Wiltz plans to focus on instilling “the human touch” even more during her first two-year term. Also key in the months ahead is building upon the Ladies Auxiliary’s solid foundation of young women, ages 17 to 35, in order to identify and develop “emerging leaders.”

A Growing Challenge

There are challenges ahead for the fraternal organization, which has been “dedicated to promoting civic and social justice, enhancing the spiritual and moral well-being of its members, and contributing to the welfare of the community.” Membership and involvement in the church, itself, has dwindled among different religious denominations. That is why the organization, with 400 courts nationwide, hopes to secure—and—solidify its base, prepare for the future, and grow from there.

A Thriving Black Catholic Community

The Diocese of Lafayette boasts one of the largest concentrations of Black Catholics in the United States. According to Stephanie Bernard, director of the Diocese’s Office of Black Catholics, nearly 70,000 members of its 300,000 members are Black Catholics. Bernard herself was elected the Ladies Auxiliary state deputy this year, and later sworn in with Wiltz during the national conference. Also elected to a national seat was Rhona Wyche of Breaux Bridge, who was sworn in as the auxiliary’s national treasurer.

A Pivotal Year

The year has also been just as pivotal for Wiltz in her career. In May, she assumed the position of executive director of the Association of Community Action Partnerships in Louisiana, known as ACAP-LA, which serves the state’s 42 community action agencies.

Emulating Faith and Action

For Wiltz, her eye remains on the sparrow and fulfilling her mission. According to the Supreme Lady, Claverism means not just talking the talk, but actually walking the walk.

A Prayer for Our Community

Heavenly Father, we lift up Hilda Wiltz, our beloved leader, and pray for her continued wisdom, strength, and guidance. May her unwavering faith and dedication inspire us all to serve Your Kingdom. We ask for Your blessings upon the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary as they strive to restore, revitalize, and renew our community. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.