America's First Black Priest

Cause for Canonization

Many Catholics might not ever have heard of Fr. Augustus Tolton; but black Catholics most probably have.  He was the first American diocesan priest of African descent, the son of slaves. 

Vocations

Promoting Vocations Among Diverse Cultures

“Consecrated persons cannot fail to feel challenged by this pressing need. In their proclamation of the word of God, they too are called to discover the methods most suited to the needs of the different social groups and various professional categories, so that the light of Christ will penetrate all sectors of society and the leaven of salvation will transform society from within, fostering the growth of a culture imbued with Gospel values…such a commitment will enable consecrated men and women to renew their response to the will of God, who reaches out to all those who, knowingly or not, are searching for the Truth and the Life (cf. Acts 17:17).”

--Pope John Paul II, On the Consecrated Life, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, 1996, 98.