Black Catholics on the road to sainthood

During Black History Month our country has celebrated and honored well known Black Americans who distinguished themselves and served our country so well in many fields and disciplines. A few famous names that come right to mind are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and a local name, Kobe Bryant.

People we do not often hear or read about, however, are Black American Catholics who are true heroes of faith.  Did you know that there are six Black Catholics who lived and worked and served in the United States who are on the road to sainthood? They are: Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, Venerable Mother Henriette DeLille, Servant of God Mother Mary Lange, Servant of God Julia Greeley and Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman. 

These six men and women represent who we are as Catholics. They had different vocations in life, as lay faithful, consecrated religious and as a priest, and they all felt the pain of rejection by society and the church. 

Father Augustus Tolton was rejected by American seminaries because he was Black. He had to study in Rome.

Mother Henriette DeLille was rejected in her applications to enter the convent because of her skin color, but she persevered and eventually the church gave her permission to start her own religious community. 

Pierre Toussaint and Julia Greeley were both slaves, and when granted freedom they devoted their lives to serving the poor. Their lives represent holy perseverance. 

In spite of rejection and humiliation, these six Catholic heroes devoted their lives to self-sacrifice, prayer and charity. I encourage you to read their stories of hardship and faith. “Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood” (Our Sunday Visitor Press, edited by Michael Heinlein) is a short book that tells their stories which are an important part of both American and Catholic history. Information about Black Catholics on the road to sainthood can also be found on the National Black Catholic Congress Webpage (nbccongress.org).

Most importantly, the lives of these six Black Catholics on the road to sainthood are lessons for all of us. Their call is our call. A call to holiness, a call to charity, a call to service, and a call to love when faced with rejection and persecution.      

Father Vincent G. Guest is pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Camden, and coordinator of the Black Catholic Apostolate and Racial Justice Commission.