Bishop Joseph Perry, Chairman of the Subcommittee on African American Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has pointed out that the history and contributions of Black Catholics is well documented but not widely known. In an effort to create greater awareness and promote intercessory prayer for the canonization of holy men and women of African American heritage, I was sent six Cause for Sainthood Prayer Cards and a include a brief bio of those six below. It was wonderful for me to research them just a bit. If you want to learn more or acquire prayers for the canonization, go to https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs/timely-resour…. Let us pray for an end to all racism and for a greater unity among all people in Christ.
Peace,
Fr. Greg
Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853), Philanthropist, New York, NY
He was a Haitian-American hairdresser, a one-time slave brought to New York, freed, became a successful barber, and used his wealth for philanthropic causes. He helped orphans, fostered boys, helped immigrants, cholera patients during an epidemic, and organized a credit bureau, an employment agency, and a refuge for needy travelers. He is credited as the de-facto founder of Catholic Charities in New York. He is the only layman to be buried in the crypt below the main altar of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Venerable Sister Henriette Delille (1812-1862), Founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family, New Orleans, LA
She was a Louisiana Creole of color and Catholic nun from New Orleans. She cared for the sick, helped the poor, and instructed free and enslaved children and adults, and opened her home to care for the elderly. She faced opposition at that time from the public and from many in the church, and was unable to join an existing congregation, so she formed her own order.
Servant of God Mother Mary Lange (1794-1882), Founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence Baltimore, MD
Born in San Domingo; her father was a mulatto slave. During the Haitian Revolution her family fled to Cuba, and later immigrated to the United States, settling in Baltimore, Maryland. She recognized the need for education of African-American children and opened a school for them in her home. She met a priest who got permission for her to start a religious community and school to evangelize the Black community through Catholic education. She also started night classes for women and homes for widows and orphans. The religious order she founded, the Oblate Sisters of Providence, is the first African American religious congregation.
Venerable Father Augustus Tolton (1854-1897) First recognized African American priest in the United States Chicago, IL
He was born in Ralls County, Missouri in slavery and was baptized Catholic. His family either escaped or were set free (uncertain) during the Civil War and arrived in Illinois. He met an Irish Priest, Fr. Peter McGirr, who allowed him to attend a parochial school even over objections of many parishioners. He studied under priests, but at was rejected to enter seminary by every American seminary he applied to. Fr. McGirr helped him to enter seminary in Rome, and Totlton was ordained at age 31. He was fluent in Italian, and learned Latin and Greek. He was sent to serve the Black community in the United States. While serving in Chicago, the local paper said this of him, “Father Tolton ... is a fluent and graceful talker and has a singing voice of exceptional sweetness, which shows to good advantage in the chants of the high mass. It is no unusual thing for many white people to be seen among his congregation.” He led the way for many others to follow him into priesthood.
Servant of God Julia Greeley (1833-1918), Philanthropist Denver, CO
She was born in slavery in Hannibal, Missouri. She lost her eye through injury when her slave master was whipping her mother. She was freed during the Civil War, moved to Denver, and became a cook and nanny. She there was baptized and became devoted to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the Eucharist, and she received communion daily. She spent the majority of her time helping others in poverty, and was named “Denver’s Angel of Charity.”
Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman (1937-1990), Educator & Evangelist Jackson, MS
She was raised Methodist, but with her parent’s permission, converted to Catholicism at age nine. She attended a Catholic school, and entered the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at age 15 over her parents’ objections. She went on to earn a B.A., M.A. and then Ph.D. at Catholic universities. She taught and was instrumental in the publication of the first Catholic hymnal for the Black community. She became directly involved in ministry to African-Americans and spoke especially to Black congregations across the world a “ministry of joy” to celebrate to differences, to retain culture, but to reflect joy at unity in Christ During an appearance on the show 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace, she prodded him into saying "Black is beautiful" and she said: “I think the difference between me and some people is that I'm content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle we'd have a tremendous light.”