Venerable Augustus Tolton, also known as "Good Fr. Gus," is the first black Roman Catholic priest of the United States, ordained in 1886 at the age of 31.  Overcoming great odds and institutional racism to become a priest, Fr. Tolton is currently being considered for sainthood.

In 2010, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago announced that he was beginning the official process to open Tolton's case for canonization. On February 12, 2012, the Sacred Congregation for the Causes for Saints granted Tolton the title "Servant of God" and on June 12,  2019 Pope Francis advanced his cause with a "Decree of Heroic Virtue," granting him  the title of "Venerable." The next step in his canonization would be beatification, which would grant him the title of "Blessed."

The Tolton Ambassadors of Indiana are committed to advancing those efforts by praying, catechizing, evangelizing, and supporting the cause for sainthood. To that end, members will make a June 7th bus pilgrimage to Chicago where Fr. Tolton faithfully served, and attend the Tolton Convocation held July 7-9 at the University of Notre Dame.

Your donation will help continue these efforts, and much more.

Why does it cost money to be named a Saint? The sainthood process entails expenses for research, travel, translation and, if the cause progresses, beatification and canonization ceremonies. We hope that with your support - and most importantly, with your prayers - the Venerable Augustus Tolton may one day become the first African-American to be officially named among the saints.

Venerable Fr. Gus Tolton - pray for us!