Father Augustine Tolton

Yesterday we had a conference concerning the first black priest of the United States of America. We were told some of his history and were also informed that there were hopes that he would one day be proclaimed a saint of the Church. In this short article I hope to make you aware of Father Tolton and the Archdiocese of Chicago's hope to have him canonized a saint of the Church.

Father Tolton was born April 1, 1854 to slaves. His father ended up fighting for the north during the civil war in hope that one day his children may know freedom. Father Tolton's father was killed during the civil war and his mother fled north with her children in hope of bringing new life to her children. Father Tolton eventually was allowed to enter Catholic school, but was eventually kicked out due to much unrest from white Catholics. He was eventually allowed to enter another Catholic school and the pastor of the parish was willing to stand up to all who wanted him cast out of the school due to the color of his skin. While in attendance at this school he learned his Latin prayers and begun to serve Mass daily at the parish.

Father Tolton felt called by God to serve the Catholic Church as a priest, but his quest to find a seminary became very difficult. American seminaries were unwilling to take this man because they were not ready to face the problems that would ensue if they had a black student. Eventually Tolton was accepted to study in Rome and was eventually ordained a priest in 1886. Father Tolton figured he would be sent to Africa to become a missionary, but his bishop instead wanted his to return to the United States.

As a priest he was successful in starting a black parish in Quincy, Illinois. Eventually white people began to attend his parish due to his sermons and spirituality. This caused much uproar with the white clergy who became upset over his success. Eventually he left Quincy to move to Chicago in order to start an all black parish. This endeavor proved to be successful and many came to hear him preach and offer the sacrifice of the Mass. Chicago was going through a heat wave in 1897 and on July 9th he died from a heatstroke following a priest retreat.

On March 2, 2010 Cardinal George of Chicago announced that an investigation of the life of Father Augustine Tolton would pursue. On February 24, 2011 the Roman Catholic Church begun the formal introduction of his cause for sainthood. He is currently known as servant of God.

For more information concerning Father Augustin Tolton go to www.toltoncanonization.org. You can also read Caroline Hemesath's book "From Slave to Priest: A Biography of the Reverend Augustine Tolton the First Black Priest" which is available for both Kindle and Nook. I am currently reading this book and must say that it is very informative, well written, and worth the read.

Prayer for the Intecession of Father Augustine Tolton

O God we give you thanks for your servant and priest, Father Augustus Tolton, who labored among us in times of contradiction, times that were both beautiful and paradoxical. His ministry helped lay the foundation for a truly Catholic gathering in faith in our time. We stand in the shadow of his ministry. May his life continue to inspire us and imbue us with that confidence and hope that will forge a new evangelization for the Church we love.

Father in Heaven, Father Tolton's suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son's passion and death. If it be your will, O God, glorify your servant, Father Tolton, by granting he favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved.

Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your Kimgdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son, and our Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living amd reigning forever and ever.

Amen.