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Each November, the United States celebrates National Black Catholic History Month, an opportunity to honor the history, heritage, and significant contributions of Black Catholics to the Church and society. Established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus (NBCCC), this month highlights the faith, resilience, and leadership of Black Catholics. Among these are six remarkable individuals whose lives exemplify deep faith and service and who are on the journey toward sainthood.

1. Venerable Pierre Toussaint

Born enslaved in Haiti on June 27, 1766, Pierre Toussaint was brought to New York City and apprenticed as a hairdresser. Rising to success in his trade, he used his earnings to support his former master’s widow and purchase the freedom of other enslaved individuals. Known for his generosity and faith, Toussaint attended daily Mass and is considered a pioneer of Catholic Charities in New York. He played a pivotal role in establishing the first Catholic orphanage and a school for Black children. Declared venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1997, Toussaint’s legacy is a testament to compassion and service.

2. Venerable Henriette DeLille

Henriette DeLille, born on March 11, 1813, in New Orleans, dedicated her life to uplifting African Americans, especially the enslaved. In 1836, she founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, an order devoted to education and healthcare for marginalized communities. Her contributions include establishing the Lafon Nursing Facility, the first Catholic nursing home in the U.S. DeLille’s steadfast faith and leadership earned her the title of venerable from Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

3. Venerable Mother Mary Lange

Born in Cuba in 1784, Mother Mary Lange migrated to Baltimore, where she recognized the educational needs of Black children. In 1829, she founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first Catholic religious order for women of African descent. Lange’s initiatives extended beyond education to orphan care and support for widows. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and community was acknowledged when Pope Francis declared her venerable in 2023.

4. Venerable Father Augustus Tolton

Father Augustus Tolton, born into slavery on April 1, 1854, in Missouri, overcame numerous obstacles to become the first African American ordained as a Catholic priest in 1886. Denied entry to seminaries in the U.S., he studied in Rome. Returning to America, he founded St. Monica Parish in Chicago, serving Black Catholics and the poor. Known affectionately as “Good Father Gus,” Tolton’s holiness and dedication to his ministry were recognized when Pope Francis declared him venerable in 2019.

5. Servant of God Julia Greeley

Julia Greeley, known as Denver’s “Angel of Charity,” was born into slavery in Missouri and suffered significant physical harm in her youth. After gaining freedom, Greeley devoted her life to serving the poor in Denver. A convert to Catholicism in 1880, she became a member of the Secular Franciscan Order and tirelessly helped families in need, often working anonymously. Her cause for canonization began in 2016, reflecting her enduring legacy of humility and service.

6. Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman

Born in 1937 in Canton, Mississippi, Thea Bowman converted to Catholicism as a child. At 15, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, becoming the only African American member of her order. An inspiring teacher, evangelizer, and speaker, Sister Thea was instrumental in promoting intercultural understanding in the Church. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, she continued her mission with joy and unwavering faith. Her cause for sainthood was opened in 2018.

Honoring Their Legacy

The lives of these six Black Catholics demonstrate a profound commitment to faith, resilience in the face of adversity, and a legacy of service that continues to inspire. During National Black Catholic History Month, we reflect on their stories as a source of hope and encouragement, praying for their eventual canonization and celebrating the indelible mark they have left on the Church and the world.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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