The Rev. Augustus Tolton, the nation’s first known black Roman Catholic
priest, could become St. Augustus.
Cardinal Francis George announced Wednesday that he will appoint a commission to assemble facts about Tolton’s “heroic virtues” and introduce his cause for sainthood to Rome. He also invited anyone who can report spiritual or physical favors granted through prayer in Tolton’s name to submit their testimony to the archdiocese.
“We need his prayers and his help, especially to become a more united church,” George told the Catholic New World, the archdiocese’s newspaper.
Tolton’s rise to prominence began with his family’s escape from slavery in Missouri as the Civil War began. Baptized before crossing the Mississippi River to Quincy, Ill., Tolton and his siblings became members of the Catholic Church. Years later, the parish priest there encouraged him to join the priesthood.
Because no American seminary would admit a black man, Tolton traveled to Rome to be ordained.
Via Chicago Tribune
As always, be well
CF
As always, be well
CF
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