This summer, we reflect on the lives of Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Mother Mary Lange, Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Augustus Tolton, Servant of God Julia Greeley, and Servant of God Thea Bowman. Discover how these timeless exemplars of holiness can inspire us to live out our faith.
Julia Greeley
Public Domain
Sr. Thea Bowman
Creative Commons - KatieHutchinson
“Remember who you are and whose you are.” ~ Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman
Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange
Public Domain
Venerable Mother Mary Lange
Venerable Mary Elizabeth Lange was a trailblazing black Catholic who founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first congregation of black religious sisters in the USA. Her faith and perseverance helped break down barriers and create new opportunities for black Catholics.
Augustus Tolton
Public Domain
Venerable Augustus Tolton
Venerable John Augustus (Gus) Tolton was born into slavery and escaped with his mother early in his life. He went to seminary in Rome and returned to the U.S. to form a black national church in Chicago. He is considered to be the first priest in the USA who was publicly known to be black.
Pierre Toussaint
Public Domain
“I’d have enough for myself but if I stopped working, I’d not have enough for others.” ~ Pierre Toussaint
Sisters of the Holy Family
Public Domain