First Black American Priest Moves Closer to Sainthood

By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 25, 2011 2:50PM

The Archdiocese of Chicago began the process to canonize Father Augustus Tolton, holding a prayer service and signing decrees to have the Vatican examine the life of the first recognized Africa American Roman Catholic priest in consideration for sainthood.

Tolton, the son of former slaves from Missouri, and his family was baptized by his slave owners prior to their escape at the start of the Civil War and became members of the Catholic Church. As the American Catholic Church at the time refused to allow Blacks to seminary studies, Tolton's parish took it upon themselves to tutor him when he expressed a desire to enter the priesthood, sending him to the Vatican. He was ordained by the Diocese of Quincy in 1886 and later came to Chicago to start a parish for black Catholics. Tolton passed away in 1897

"It is significant because the Catholic Church in this moment is recognizing the fact that a man, the descendant of slaves, his life is a testament of holiness, is a testament of perseverance," said Vanessa White, Catholic Theological Union. White said the Church will look for proof that Tolton was responsible for miracles, a process that could take years. (We would suggest the first miracle was becoming a priest in the face of the racial intolerance at the time.)