Venerable Augustus Tolton
The Diocese of Springfield, via Associated Press
John Augustine Tolton was born on 1 April 1854 in Brush Creek, Missouri. His parents were slaves to a Catholic family. Tolton’s father escaped to fight (& die) for the Union Army in the Civil War. His mother, Augustus, and his two siblings escaped across the Mississippi Rover to Illinois. According to one report, when they reached freedom, Tolton’s mother turned to him and said, “John, boy, you’re free. Never forget the goodness of the Lord.”
After arriving in Quincy, Illinois, the children began attending the local Catholic school. Although abolitionists were active in the town, many of McGirr's parishioners objected to a black student at their children's school. McGirr held fast and allowed Tolton to study there. Later, Tolton continued studies directly with some priests.
Augustus began his studies for priesthood in Rome as no American seminary would accept a black man. He was ordained in 1886 and was fluent in Greek, Latin, and Italian. He originally returned to Quincy, but requested a transfer due to overt racial tensions in the town.
“I shall work and pull at it as long as God gives me life”
In 1889 he was given full jurisdiction over African-American parishioners in the Archdiocese of Chicago. With the population facing unemployment and endemic poverty, he still managed to fundraise to build a church for local black Catholics. Construction started on St. Monica’s Catholic Church in 1893 on the south side of Chicago.
His work took a heavy toll on him: he was known as a priest who endlessly walked the streets and visited the poor and marginalized, which earned him the nickname ’Good Father Gus’. He was known for his eloquent sermons, beautiful singing voice, and his talent for playing the accordion. In July 1897, after returning from a retreat, he collapsed in the street and later died of heat stroke.
What struck you most from his story? Why?
Prayer for Canonization:
Pray for canonization: O God, we give you thanks for your servant and priest, Father Augustus Tolton, who labored among us in times of contradiction, times that were both beautiful and paradoxical. His ministry helped lay the foundation for a truly Catholic gathering in faith in our time. We stand in the shadow of his ministry. May his life continue to inspire us and imbue us with that confidence and hope that will forge a new evangelization for the Church we love.
Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant, Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved.
Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. AMEN.
Additional Resources:
Tolton short video by Faith Counts
Fr. Augustus Tolton by Archdiocese of Chicago, includes timeline for canonization cause, further information, updates, etc.
Fr. Augustus Tolton biography, including maps and video resources By Ashley, Hailey, Sophia, and Ava, students from Fr. Tolton Catholic High School
Elementary Resource Worksheet on Fr. Augustuc Tolton, by USCCB