Fr. Augustus Tolton (April 1, 1856-July 8, 1897) was born into enslavement in Missouri. He was baptized as Augustine Tolton.  According to Fr. Tolton his father escaped to Illinois and his family followed later and settled in Quincy, IL. He met Fr. Peter McGirr in Quincy who allowed him to be educated at the local Parrish School over the objections of parishioners. 

Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton

Fr. Tolton applied and was rejected from all American Seminaries where he had applied.  With the help of Fr. McGirr, he attended seminary in Rome.  He was ordained into the priesthood in 1886 at the age of 31 and celebrated his first mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday. 

He was sent back to Illinois to serve the Black community.  He celebrated his first mass in Quincy at St. Boniface.  He was then sent to Chicago.  While there he led the development and administration of St. Monica Catholic Church which was known as “The Negro National Catholic Church.” 

Fr. Gus as he was called by parishioners was known for his grace, eloquent homilies and sweet singing voice.  His ministry was one of inclusion & ministered not only to the Black community, but all marginalized communities. He attracted parishioners from all races.

On March 10, 2010 Cardinal Francis George of Chicago announced the beginning of an investigation into the canonization of Fr. Tolton.  This cause was advanced by the Dioceses of Springfield, IL and Jefferson, MO.  On June 12, 2019, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of a “Decree of Heroic Virtue” advancing the cause of Servant of God Augustine Tolton and now has the title of “Venerable.”