Venerable Father Augustus Tolton

Venerable Father Augustus Tolton Augustus Tolton (1854-1897), first recognizably African-American ordained to Roman Catholic Church. He ministered to People of God on the south-side of Chicago.

Augustus Tolton (1854-1897) was the first recognizably African American ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood, in 1886.

08/21/2026

Archbishop García-Siller has also prohibited all Catholics from attending any Mass, liturgy, or event sponsored by the former priest or the Mission of Divine Mercy, which the priest leads.

Celebrating the Voice of Our Youth: 2026 Fr. Tolton Writing Contest WinnersThe Tolton Ambassadors – Chicago are incredib...
08/21/2026

Celebrating the Voice of Our Youth: 2026 Fr. Tolton Writing Contest Winners

The Tolton Ambassadors – Chicago are incredibly proud to announce the official winners of the 2026 Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton Writing Contest.
This year's competition brought in about 40 inspiring submissions from Catholic school students and parish youth groups throughout the region. Participants in grades 5 through 8 were asked to dive deep into a profound and challenging prompt:

"Fr. Tolton faced many problems because of racism. How did he stay strong and how can his story help students today stand up against unfair treatment?"

Through beautifully crafted essays and deeply moving poetry, these young authors demonstrated a remarkable understanding of Fr. Tolton's enduring legacy, showing us how his historical journey can serve as a blueprint for standing up against injustice today.

Meet The 2026 Winners

Essay Category
• First Place: N’Seya Evans (St. Ethelreda School)
• Second Place: Stevie Lothian (St. Edward catholic School)
• Third Place: Bailey Watson Tucker (St. Philip Neri Catholic School)
•
Poetry Category
• First Place: April Prichard (St. Barnabas Catholic School)

08/20/2026

It is the first time that the Vatican has issued coins featuring a pope's portrait in nearly a decade.

08/19/2026

The organization plans to invest in staff and technology, O'Loughlin said, as it explores new formats and ways of reaching readers.

08/19/2026

Venerable Augustus Tolton died in Mercy Hospital on Chicago’s South Side 129 years ago, but his legacy lives on in his cause for canonization with interest coming not just from America, but from as far away as Russia, the Philippines and South America.

08/18/2026

St. Eugene Catholic Church’s $25,000 gift erased more than $6.5 million in medical debt.

08/18/2026

The pontiff will personally present the Villanova University-sponsored award at the International Sustainability Conference Oct. 12–15.

08/17/2026

Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation's only top Catholic HBCU, was ranked No. 4 on Forbes' inaugural Top HBCUs.

08/17/2026

A grant for Notre Dame’s New Horizons program, a California Catholic school replaces pride flags, a Kansas formation house to become a seminary, and more in this Catholic education news roundup.

08/16/2026

The pontiff’s Aug. 12 general audience focused on the importance of the liturgical year.

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