{"product_id":"from-slave-to-priest-the-inspirational-story-of-father-augustine-tolton-1854-1897-9781586175245","title":"From Slave to Priest: The Inspirational Story of Father Augustine Tolton (1854-1897)","description":"\u003cp\u003eBorn into a black Catholic slave family, Fr. Augustine Tolton (1854-1897) conquered almost insurmountable odds to become one of the very first black priests in the United States. By his early death at 43, this pioneer black priest left behind a shining legacy of holy service to God, the Church and his people. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTolton's cause for canonization has been officially opened by the Archdiocese of Chicago as announced by Cardinal Francis George. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe thorough scholarly research and inspirational writing by Sister Caroline Hemesath on the great legacy and courage of this former slave who became a priest in the face of incredible prejudice within the Church and society will be a source of strength for modern Christians who also face persecution. In American history, many black people have achieved success against great odds. But Father Tolton faced a different source of prejudice - an opposition from within the Church, the one institution he should have been able to rely on for compassion and support. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe endured many rebuffs, as a janitor spent long hours in the church in prayer, and attended clandestine classes taught by friendly priests and nuns who saw in his eyes a deep love of God and the Church, and a determination to serve his people. Denied theological training in America, his friends helped him to receive his priestly education, and ordination, in Rome. He later became the pastor of St. Monica's Church in Chicago and established a flourishing center at St. Monica's that was the focal point for black Catholics in Chicago for 30 years. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe author interviewed many people who knew Father Tolton personally, including St. Katharine Drexel, and presents a deeply inspiring portrait of a great American Catholic. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBook includes illustrations and photographs.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCause for Canonization of Father Tolton Opened by Chicago Archdiocese\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003eChicago, Ill., March 3 (CNA) .- Fr. Augustus Tolton, a man born into slavery who became the first American diocesan priest of African descent, is now being considered for canonization. Cardinal Francis George announced on Monday that the nineteenth century priest's cause for sainthood has been introduced in the Archdiocese of Chicago. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"Many Catholics might not ever have heard of Fr. Augustus Tolton; but black Catholics most probably have,\" the Archbishop of Chicago wrote. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBorn in Missouri on April 1, 1854, John Augustine Tolton fled slavery with his mother and two siblings in 1862 by crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"John, boy, you're free. Never forget the goodness of the Lord,\" Tolton's mother told him after the crossing, according to the website of St. Elizabeth's Church in Chicago. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe young Tolton entered St. Peter's Catholic School with the help of the school's pastor, Fr. Peter McGirr. Fr. McGirr would later baptize him and instruct him for his first Holy Communion. Tolton was serving as an altar boy by the next summer. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe priest asked Tolton if he would like to become a priest, saying it would take twelve years of hard study. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe excited boy then said they should go to church and pray for his success. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAfter graduating from high school and Quincy College, he began his ecclesiastical studies in Rome because no American seminary would accept him on account of his race. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eOn April 24, 1886 he was ordained in Rome by Cardinal Lucido Maria Parocchi, who was then the vicar general of Rome. Newspapers throughout the U.S. carried the story. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFr. Tolton was ordained for the southern Illinois Diocese of Quincy. Upon his return in July 1886, he was greeted at the train station \"like a conquering hero,\" the web site of St. Elizabeth's Parish says. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"Thousands were there to greet him, led by Father McGirr. A brass band played church songs and Negro Spirituals. Thousands of blacks and wh\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSister Caroline Hemesath, SSF\u003c\/b\u003e, was a member of the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque, Iowa. She received a Master of Arts degree from the Catholic University of America, and wrote for various religious and secular publications.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Ignatius Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669739737362,"sku":"9781586175245","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_b969a809-5537-4569-bd02-09133fe7be69.jpg?v=1733764950","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/from-slave-to-priest-the-inspirational-story-of-father-augustine-tolton-1854-1897-9781586175245","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}