Supporters Gather for Venerable Augustus Tolton's Sainthood Cause
Supporters of Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first publicly recognized Black priest in the U.S., gathered in South Bend to promote his cause for sainthood. The event, the third National Convocation of the Tolton Ambassadors Corps, was cosponsored by the University of Notre Dame's Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism. The gathering took place near the anniversary of Tolton's death.
Tolton's cause for sainthood was opened in 2010 and he was declared 'Venerable' in 2019 by Pope Francis. The Augustus Tolton Guild, working closely with the Archdiocese of Chicago, is actively promoting his canonization. The Guild collects prayers, donations, and keeps the public informed about the process. The gathering in South Bend was a chance for Tolton Ambassadors to pray, catechise, evangelise, and support his legacy. Father Tolton is one of the 'Saintly Seven', seven African American Catholics with sainthood causes. Several films, including 'Tolton Speaks: The Life and Letters of Fr. Augustus Tolton', have been produced to tell his story. Bishop Joseph N. Perry, vice postulator of the Tolton cause, encouraged the ambassadors and asked for their prayers for a miracle to advance Tolton's sainthood. Stefanie Miles, a Tolton ambassador from Washington, has been promoting his cause since 2010 and has developed great respect for his courage.
The gathering in South Bend was a testament to the ongoing support for Venerable Augustus Tolton's sainthood cause. With the help of the Augustus Tolton Guild and the Archdiocese of Chicago, Tolton's legacy continues to inspire and his cause for sainthood progresses. The prayers and efforts of the Tolton Ambassadors are crucial in this process.
