Good Father Gus! On this anniversary of his death, let us have his mindset – DO NOT GIVE UP. Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton teaches us that even in the midst of difficult times and active persecution even when it is from within and those you are closest to persevere with your relationship with God and the Church.
He lived from 1854 to 1897, and was the first African-American Roman Catholic priest in the US. A former slave, Fr. Tolton was ordained in Rome and served as pastor of St. Boniface in Quincy, Illinois. He was known as “Good Father Gus,” who had eloquent sermons and a beautiful signing voice. His story, which is beautifully inspiring because of his genuine love of God and God’s people, but is also a poignant reminder of the accepted discrimination and a racist taunting that occurred in society and even in the brotherhood of the priesthood and the Church hierarchy.
Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton, no matter what our struggle or suffering help us to remain resilient and remain faithful to God.
Learn more about him from his diocese – the Archdiocese of Chicago at: https://tolton.archchicago.org
