Venerable Augustus Tolton was America's first universal Black Catholic Priest. Augustus was Born April 1,1854 in Ralls County Missouri. Augustus was subjected to slavery. While enslaved he 

was taught the Catholic faith. Augustus had a desire to become a priest at an early age. Augustus father, mother and other sibling escaped to freedom when Augustus was about eight years old. Captured by the confederate solider and release by union army solider because his family was on free soil. His father at that point decided to join the union army and help fight for other Negroes freedom. It appears that the  Union solider gave Augustus's mother Martha an old row boat. Martha and the children rolled to freedom to Quincy, IL.  Augustus and his family continued practicing the Catholic faith. His family met a nice priest at St. Boniface Catholic Church at that time Augustus was going to a public school. Fr. Schaeffermeyer invited his family to worship at the church and Augustus to attend there Catholic school. The Parishioners thought differently from Fr. Schaeffermeyer, rocks were thrown at the church and treating letters.  Augustus was called a Nigger and a bastard child. His father Peter Paul Tolton had died in the union army from dysentery. Therefore the children in class persecuted him for not having a father and because the color of his skin. The threats and persecution brought so much tension Augustus and His family were asked not to attend the church and school. Mrs. Tolton and Augustus was heart broken. Fr. Schaeffermeyer was heart broken too. He said," I do not understand my people we throw them out" He then hung his head down on his desk feeling hurt. Nevertheless, Fr. Schaeffermeyer continued to look after Augustus, but God had a ram in the bush. One day Augustus stood out side a church named St. Peter Catholic Church. Fr. Peter McGirr came out with concern and introduce himself to Augustus. He welcome Augustus and his family to join St. Peter's church and school. When people made racial remarks Fr. Peter McGirr would preach on Sunday's "When you do this to the least of them you have done it unto me." Augustus became an altar boy. His love for God became greater and wanted to become a Priest. Augustus studied with the Franciscans he grew into a manhood; many letters were written for him to enter a seminary.  Letters of rejects continued to come.  Augustus was disappointment hurt and frustrated because the letters stated they were not ready yet for a Negro. No seminary in America would accepted him. A letter was written, a heart was touched  Augustus studied for six years in Rome Italy. He was ordained April 24,1886. While studying in Italy Augustus had plans to serve as a missionary in Africa. Nevertheless, Cardinal Giovanni  believed God had other plans for Augustus destiny. Cardinal wanted him to go back to America and serve as a missionary in his own country. Augustus was frustrated and resist at first Cardinal  Giovanni said," America needs Negro Priest. America has been called the enlighten nation! We will see if it  deserves the honor. If the United States has never seen a Black Priest it must see one now!" Can you drink from this cup? Augustus mindset was not my will but let your will be done Lord. He served at St. Joseph church in 1886 in Quincy IL he was  persecuted by a Priest named Fr. Weiss at St. Boniface. He feared for his life.  Transferred to Chicago,IL build a church held serves not fully completed. Hardship lead his ill body to weaken and deterioration. Also suspicion of his death were in the minds of many especially his family. Augustus Tolton died July 9,1897 coming home from a retreat. He clasped in the street from the heat.The temperature rose to 105 degree rushed to St. Mercy hospital in Chicago IL. He never gain conscious. Augustus Tolton was a beacon of hope a type of Christ a deliver for his down trodden Negro people on! Today Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton is up for sainthood. Rest on! Uncle Gus rest on! Peace Be Still!  Humbly submitted by his fourth grand-niece Pastor Sabrina Penn.