Family Faith Reflections from Chris

Augustus Tolton was born in Missouri, the child of two African slaves. He was still a small child when the American Civil War broke out. His father fought for the Union Army; his mother escaped to Illinois, where she and her children could be free. It was a dangerous time!
 
In Illinois, Augustus met Fr. McGirr, a priest who offered him a seat at the Catholic school. This was a rare opportunity since many black children were not allowed in schools at all! The people in Fr. McGirr’s church were abolitionists who wanted to end slavery, but some of them were uncomfortable with having a black child in their white school. Fr. McGirr persisted, however, and Augustus completed his education there.
 
After graduating, Augustus wanted to become a priest. None of the American seminaries would accept him because of his color, but Fr. McGirr stepped in again. He helped arrange for Augustus to travel to Rome and study in a seminary there. Before long, Augustus — Father Augustus — returned to Illinois ready to serve.
 
This would prove challenging, too. The town he settled in was divided; white people worshipped in a “white church” and black people worshipped in a “black church.” Fr.
Augustus had a vision of one church where people of different races would worship together, but few people liked his idea. While many people complained, a small group of friends encouraged him not to give up on his plan.

Little by little, people began to visit his new church, some to hear his passionate speaking, some to hear his music (he was a gifted singer and even played accordion during Mass!). While the country was healing from the violence of the Civil War, Fr. Augustus showed his community that their faith could be a force for unity.


Last year, Pope Francis declared that Fr. Augustus had lived a life of heroic virtue, combatting racism in his community with love and courage. It was the first step toward naming him an official Catholic saint! Pray for Venerable Augustus Tolton, and ask him to pray for us and for the unity of our country today.


 

These week’s saint was suggested by a parishioner (thanks, Sherry!). If you have a favorite saint that you’d like to see highlighted here, send me an email!