A Trailblazer’s Legacy Celebrated
On the solemn occasion of Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in the history of emancipation, the life and legacy of Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first Black American Catholic priest, are being honored and celebrated.
Tolton’s remarkable journey, which shattered barriers and paved the way for countless others, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of equality.
From Slavery to Priesthood: A Journey of Faith
Tolton’s story is one of profound courage and determination. Born into slavery in Brush Creek, Ralls County, Missouri, on April 1, 1854, to Catholic parents Peter Paul Tolton and Martha Jane Chisley, he escaped with his mother and siblings in 1862, crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois.
“John, boy, you’re free. Never forget the goodness of the Lord,” Tolton’s mother reportedly told him after their daring escape.
Overcoming Obstacles with Unwavering Resolve
Despite facing immense adversity and racial discrimination, Tolton’s unwavering faith and resolve propelled him forward. With the support of Father Peter McGirr, he attended St. Peter’s Catholic School in Quincy, Illinois, and later pursued his calling to the priesthood.
However, no American seminary would accept him due to his race, forcing him to study in Rome, where he was ordained in 1886 at the age of 31, becoming the first African American ordained as a priest.
A Life of Service and Impact
Upon his return to the United States, Tolton served for three years at a parish in Quincy before establishing St. Monica Parish in Chicago, a parish dedicated to serving Black Catholics.
Throughout his life, Tolton embodied the values of compassion, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to his faith and community. He learned to speak multiple languages, including English, German, Italian, Latin, Greek, and African dialects, and was renowned for his musical talents and beautiful voice.
“America has been called the most enlightened nation in the world. We shall see whether it deserves that honor. If the United States has never before seen a Black priest, it must see one now,” Cardinal Giovanni Simeoni reportedly stated, underscoring the significance of Tolton’s ordination.
A Legacy Etched in History
Tolton’s cause for canonization was opened by the Archdiocese of Chicago on February 24, 2011, granting him the title of Servant of God.
On June 12, 2019, Pope Francis declared him Venerable, the second step towards sainthood, further solidifying his enduring legacy as a trailblazer and a beacon of hope for generations to come.
