There are currently six persons from the Black Catholic community of the United States whose exemplary lives have given reason for their consideration for Sainthood. Many of the saints who came before us courageously lived the Gospel and they can inspire us to do the same! They are great examples for those who are looking for models of faith, courage and virtue. Scroll below to read about their lives.
Printable Candidates Information with Prayers
VENERABLE PIERRE TOUSSAINT (1766 – 1853)
- Former slave. Became a philanthropist
- Cause for canonization opened in 1968
- Declared “Venerable” in 1997
- Pierre Toussaint Video (Courtesy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans)
- Link to Pierre Toussaint Guild & Info
- Toussaint Prayer for Canonization
VENERABLE HENRIETTE DELILLE (1813 – 1862)
- Free woman of color
- Co-founded the Sisters of the Holy Family
- Cause for canonization opened in 1988
- Declared “Venerable” in 2010
- Henriette Delille Video (Courtesy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans)
- Link to Henriette Delille Info
- Delille Prayer for Canonization
“SERVANT OF GOD” MOTHER MARY LANGE (1794 – 1882)
- Co-Founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence
- Cause for canonization opened in 1991
- Mary Lange Video (Courtesy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans)
- Link to Mother Mary Lange Guild
- Lange Prayer for Canonization
“VENERABLE” FR. AUGUSTUS TOLTON (1854 – 1897)
- 1st recognized African American to be ordained a priest
- Cause for canonization opened in 2011
- Fr. Augustus Tolton Video (Courtesy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans)
- Link to Fr. Augustus Tolton Info
- Tolton Prayer for Canonization
JULIA GREELEY (18 [35-55] -1918)
- Former slave
- Charitable works and assisted poor families
- Secular Franciscan
- Cause for canonization opened in 2016
- Julia Greeley Video (Courtesy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans)
- Link to Julia Greeley Guild
- Greeley Prayer for Canonization
SR. THEA BOWMAN (1937 – 1990)
- Became a Catholic at age nine
- Joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
- Was a teacher, singer, writer and evangelist
- Cause for canonization opened in 2018
- Sr. Thea Bowman Video (Courtesy of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and the USCCB)
- Link to Sr. Thea Bowman Info
- Bowman Prayer for Canonization