Venerable Augustus Tolton

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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