
TOLTON VIRTUES

On June 11, 2019, Pope Francis officially declared Father Augustus Tolton 'Venerable,' a title honoring a life defined by heroic virtue. As the first recognized African-American Roman Catholic priest in the United States, Tolton’s legacy is one of radical resilience —conquering the shadows of slavery and systemic racism to serve with a profound spirit of faith, hope, fortitude and charity.
The declaration officially recognizes that Fr. Tolton displayed profound Christian character, which is a vital step in the process towards potential canonization.
Beatification is the next step in the canonization process for Tolton. This leads to him being deemed "Blessed,". and requires the Vatican to verify a miracle that is attributable to his intercession of a medical miracle through your prayers to him only.
Please pray for a miracle for Ven. Tolton.

The Virtues of Tolton
courage
inclusive
forgiving
perseverance
gratitude
faithful
resilience
diligence
Model Your Life After a Pioneer
Venerable Father Augustus Tolton stands as a model of profound Christian character—not because he was flawless or a superhuman— but because he chose to be a light. He was resilient, kind and forgiving in the face of cruelty and rejection.
To follow Tolton’s path is to realize you don’t need power or perfection to make a difference; you just need the courage to keep showing up.
We highlight eight core virtues that define "Tolton Spirituality" on this page. We invite you to explore these traits and find the one or several that speak to your journey and discover how his legacy can light your way.
