On April 24, 1886, Augustus Tolton was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in Rome, becoming the first publicly recognized Black Catholic priest in the United States. Born into slavery in Missouri in 1854, Tolton and his family escaped during the Civil War. Despite deep racial discrimination, he felt a calling to the priesthood—but was rejected by every seminary in the U.S. because of his race. He eventually gained admission to the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. After ordination, he was assigned to serve in America, where he ministered to Black congregations in Illinois, founded St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Chicago, and inspired generations with his faith and perseverance. Tolton’s canonization cause is currently under Vatican review.
© 2025 KnowThyHistory.com. Know Thy History
