From Slave to Priest (Caroline Hemesath, SSF) - Paperback

Born into a black Catholic slave family, Fr. Augustine Tolton (1854-1897) conquered almost insurmountable odds to become one of the first black priests in the United States.  By his early death at 43, this pioneer black priest left behind a legacy of service to God, the Church, and his people.

Tolton faced prejudice, including opposition to his ordination from within the Church, the one institution he should have been able to rely on for compassion and support.   Denied theological training in America, his friends helped him to receive his priestly education, and ordination, in Rome.  He later became the pastor of St. Monica's Church in Chicago and established a flourishing center that was the focal point for black Catholics in Chicago for 30 years.

Tolton's cause for canonization has been officially opened by the Archdiocese of Chicago as announced by Cardinal Francis George.

The author interviewed many people who knew Father Tolton personally, including St. Katharine Drexel, and presents a deeply inspiring portrait of a great American Catholic. The book includes illustrations and photographs.

• Author:  Sister Caroline Hemesath, SSF
• Recommended in Laura Berquist U.S. History & Geography and American Literature 
• Format:  255 pages, paperback
• Publisher:  Ignatius Press
• ISBN:  9781586175245