The bravery to pursue a calling across the globe when every door in Tolton's country (United States) was slammed in his face. He traveled solo to a foreign land to achieve his goal.

Tolton was committed to minister to everyone,  welcoming people of all backgrounds to worship as one family. There was a seat at the table for everyone in Tolton's eyes. And people came.

Although Tolton lived in extreme poverty, he was filled with gratitude. He viewed his education in Rome not as a personal achievement, but as a gift from God that he was indebted to pay back to his community.

Door after door slammed in Tolton's face from childhood to adulthood. He often spoke of the long, slow work of building a community,  writing to a benefactor, "I shall work and pull at it as long as God gives me life."

Tolton did not abandon his faith or vocation despite being rejected by every American seminary. He was steadfast, trusting that God called him and a way would be provided—even if that way led across the world.

Born into slavery and escaping across the Mississippi River under gunfire, Tolton’s entire life is a testament to "bouncing back." He exemplified the grit to rise above life's storms,  becoming a beacon of hope for others.

Tolton was tireless. He oversaw the brick-by-brick construction of St. Monica Church in Chicago, serving as the spiritual leader and the chief fundraiser. He owned nothing so his community could have a spiritual home.

He never met a fellow priest's relentless bullying with hatred. Rather than feed a cycle of bitterness, Tolton responded with grace to the harassment in Quincy, Il. He chose to start over in Chicago.