Bryce Wagner

Augustus Tolton Essay

Father Augustus Tolton was the first African-American priest to be ordained in the United States.
His life was a testament to his strong faith and his unwavering determination to serve God,
despite the obstacles he faced as a black man in a predominantly white society.

Augustus Tolton was born into slavery in Ralls County, Missouri, in 1854. His parents, Peter
Paul and Martha Tolton, were both slaves who had escaped from their owners and settled in
Illinois. Augustus was the eldest of their three children, and from a young age, he showed a
keen interest in the Catholic Church.

As a black child growing up in the mid-19th century, Augustus faced discrimination and racism
at every turn. He was not allowed to attend school with white children, and even the local
Catholic school refused to admit him because of his race. Despite this, Augustus was
determined to receive an education, and he eventually found a school in Quincy, Illinois, that
was willing to admit him.

Augustus's dedication to his studies earned him the respect and admiration of his teachers and
classmates. He went on to attend a seminary in Rome, where he was ordained as a priest in
1886. When he returned to the United States, he was met with both admiration and hostility.
Some members of the Catholic Church welcomed him with open arms, while others saw him as
a threat to their way of life.

Despite the challenges he faced, Father Tolton was determined to serve God and his
community. He was assigned to a parish in Quincy, where he worked tirelessly to minister to the
needs of the black community. He also traveled throughout the country, speaking to audiences
about his experiences and advocating for racial equality.

Father Tolton's life was cut short when he died of heat stroke in 1897, at the age of 43. But his
legacy lived on, inspiring generations of African-American Catholics to follow in his footsteps. In
2019, he was declared "Venerable" by Pope Francis, a step towards his eventual canonization
as a saint.

Father Augustus Tolton's life was a testament to his unwavering faith and his commitment to
serving others. Despite the obstacles he faced as a black man in a predominantly white society,
he never wavered in his belief that all people are created equal in the eyes of God. His life and
legacy continue to inspire people of all races and backgrounds to work towards a more just and
equal society.