Advancement of Tolton Cause

UPDATE: Vatican officials in U.S to study alleged miracles in Father Tolton’s cause Venerable Augustus Tolton (1854 - 1990)
	"I shall work and pull at it as long as God gives me life."
QUICK FACTS: Born into slavery on April 1, 1854 in Missouri to a physician and educator Escaped from slavery with family Mother was first African-American woman to graduate from an American University in 1862 Father served in the Union Army Denied entry into every US seminary because of his race Left the US and enrolled in St. Francis College in 1878 Enrolled in seminary at the Collegium Urbanum de Propaganda Fide in 1880 Becomes the first known Black to be ordained to the priesthood in 1886 at the age of 31 Served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish and school He was so popular, many Whites left their parishes to join his, causing controversy and animosity from neighboring White priests Was given jurisdiction over all Chicago's Black Catholics by the Archbishop First Pastor of and constructed St. Monica's Roman Catholic Church 1894 which served as a Black National Parish Church Served as Pastor of St Monica’s Colored Roman Catholic Church until his death Gained national notoriety for his eloquent sermons, his beautiful singing voice, and his talent for playing the accordion. Died at the age of 43 on July 9, 1897 Cause for Canonization officially opened in 2012 Sainthood Phase: "Venerable" Remaining phases: "Blessed" and "Saint"
News Library $1 million grant to establish Chicago center named for first African American Catholic priest Pope Francis Advances the Cause for Sainthood of The Servant of God Rev. Augustus Tolton Friends on earth help Black Catholic priest toward sainthood Catholics hold pilgrimage to grave of Venerable Augustus Tolton, first African American priest Father Augustus Tolton: America’s First Black Priest	Video Library Fr. Augustus Tolton: The Cause for Sainthood Life of Augustus Tolton Tolton \| A film about the first Black Catholic Priest in the United States Quick Facts Video
VISIT THE AUGUSTUS TOLTON CAUSE FOR CANONIZATION WEBSITE To report any spiritual or physical favors granted through prayer in Father Tolton’s name, please write: Office of the Cardinal Archdiocese of Chicago 835 North Rush Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 To request the prayer card for the canonization of Father Augustus Tolton, call or write: Bishop Joseph N. Perry Phone: 312.534.8376 3525 South Lake Park Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60653
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For Immediate Release
JUNE 20, 2019

MOST REV. SHELTON J. FABRE ISSUES STATEMENT ON POPE’S ADVANCEMENT OF FATHER AUGUSTUS TOLTON’S CAUSE TO BECOME THE FIRST BLACK AMERICAN SAINT

The Knights of peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, the largest Black Catholic Organization in the United States, rejoice in Pope Francis’ recent declaration of Father Augustus Tolton as “Venerable,” which advances Father Tolton’s cause to become the first black American saint.

Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, who was born into slavery in 1854, followed after the Lord in the Roman Catholic faith. Eventually being ordained the first known black Roman Catholic priest in the United States, “Good Father Gus” took to heart the words of his mother upon the family’s escape from slavery: “Never forget the goodness of the Lord.” Although he faced extreme challenges in his short life and priesthood, including the scourge of racism, Father Gus found a way to selflessly serve the People of God.

Although no American Catholic seminary would accept Augustus Tolton due to his race, now by virtue of our Holy Father’s declaration all people are now encouraged to seek Venerable Father Augustus Tolton’s intercession in prayer. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ recent pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts, The Enduring Call to Love, states: “The salvation which God has wrought, and the Church joyfully proclaims, is for everyone. God has found a way to unite himself to every human being in every age.”

Along with many other members of the faithful, the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver now unite ourselves to his cause for sainthood!

Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, pray for us!

MOST REV. SHELTON J. FABRE, Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux
National Chaplain, Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary