Father Augustus Tolton: The First Recognized Black Catholic Priest in America

Augustus Tolton, born into slavery, was the first man known to be black to be ordained to the priesthood in the United States. While he is still largely unknown to most Catholics, the Black Catholic community in this country has never forgotten his name.

Born in Missouri in 1854, Tolton spent his first years in slavery in Ralls County. After the outbreak of the Civil War in April of 1861, his father left to fight for the Union Army, never to return. His mother led the family to freedom in Quincy, Illinois.

But freedom brought a host of new challenges. As a boy, Augustus Tolton was the first black student in the neighborhood Catholic school, encountering and overcoming great prejudice. Feeling the call to serve God as a priest, he persisted in pursuing his vocation in spite of the barriers placed in his way because of his race. Rejected by every seminary in the country, he studied for the priesthood in Rome. Ordained in 1886, he returned to the United States and ministered in Quincy, then in Chicago. He continued to encounter prejudice, both in the Church and out, but persisted in spite of tremendous odds to serve the Church and build up the Catholic community. He became a sought-after speaker and a beloved pastor until his untimely death of heatstroke in 1897, July 9. He was just 43 years old.

Tolton’s story is one of carving out one’s humanity as a man and as a priest in a volatile atmosphere of racial separation enforced by law and lawless custom. In spite of his constant struggle to be recognized, welcomed and accepted, disappointment and even defeat did not embitter him: Tolton never meted out to anyone the hatred that was thrown at him.

He encountered mistreatment and hate with faith, hope, and love. Tolton persevered even when there seemed to be no logical reason to do so; he gifted his priesthood to everyone without distinction, both white and black, and was resented for it.

Through it all, he exuded an inner peace rooted in his love for Jesus, his innocence, and his profound respect for the Church.

Tolton’s cause for sainthood was introduced in 2011. His story, a story with great relevance for us today, needs to be better known. This graphic novel offers a way for readers of all ages to find out more about this holy man and learn to know him as a friend and an intercessor before God.

Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

A loving son.

A faithful friend.

A dedicated pastor.

A witness for justice.

A pioneer for racial equality.

A dreamer and a disciple.

An African American. A priest.

This is the story of Father Augustus Tolton.

5

And yet, there was love.

There was hope.

Augustus Tolton was a beloved child of God: and another man’s property.

7

Your job is to take these stalks and pluck off the stems. When you’re done with that, someone else totes them away to be turned into cigarettes and cigars.

Does it always smell like this, Mr Pleasant?

I know what freedom means: it means we earn our own living. Is there work here in Quincy?

I hear the tobacco factory is hiring.

There’s work for the boys there, too.

Yes, and after working here ten hours a day, six days a week, you’ll smell like that, too, Gus!

On Sundays, the whole family attended Mass at St. Boniface Church.

Come sit with us — all us black folks sit at the back.

Mein bruder und schweister…

What is he saying?

German. They’re all Germans here, except for us. Don’t worry, Father Schaeffermeyer will say it in English later!

13

The next day, Easter Sunday, Father Tolton celebrated his first Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Simeoni was at his side.

29

Six long years after his departure from Quincy, Father Augustus Tolton was on his way home.

Yes, sir. Wait, you’re the new priest, aren’t you?

To whom do I owe this unexpected honor?

Yes—

A ticket to Quincy, please...

...no return.

This was all Father McGirr’s doing.

There’s a special car for you.

It’s all arranged.

Father!

Father Gus!

I don’t know what to say.

There never was such a welcome.

Looks like Quincy is almost as glad to see you as I am!

30

You’re Father Tolton now!

There never was such a priest!

Why? Did you lose your trust in the Lord?

Father, it is good to see you.

In Chicago, Father Tolton’s work never stopped.

Well, here I am. Let’s talk.

No, Father, they threw me out, said colored folks needed to go somewhere else.

Somehow I never went back.

I haven’t been to church in nine years.

Gus is even sitting down to preach these days.

I’m worried about him, Annie.

He says everything’s fine but he’s tired all the time.

Can you give us credit of some kind?

More money?

I can’t even pay the workers, Father.

How? I’m sorry, Father, but we’re out of money. I propose we put a temporary roof on for now.

Just raise more money, and we’ll get this church done.

39

Where is it to come from?

I stand alone as the first Negro priest of America. They watch us the same as the Pharisees did our Lord… I shall work and pull at it as long as God gives me life, for I see that I have powers and principalities to resist wherever I go.

I’ll write to Mother Drexel. We’re poor, alright.

It’s from Father Tolton—the first black priest in this country.

He’s trying to build a new church in Chicago. Let’s see what we can do for him.

But even with Sister Katharine’s help, the work remained at a standstill.

Well, St. Monica, I guess this is it.

Our people are struggling and it appears our church has gone as far as it can go...

...for now.

40

Prayer for the Canonization of Servant of God Father Augustus Tolton

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

Bishop Joseph N. Perry