Film Depicting Life of Venerable Augustus Tolton, First Black American Priest, Premieres in Theaters

A new film about Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first Black American Catholic priest, has opened in theaters, bringing his story to a wider audience during a period of renewed interest in Black Catholic history.

"Tolton: From Slave to Priest" follows Tolton's life from his birth into slavery in Brush Creek, Missouri, through his escape to freedom during the Civil War, and ultimately to his ordination as a priest in Rome in 1886. Tolton returned to the United States to serve Black Catholic communities in Quincy, Illinois, and later Chicago, where he died in 1897.

The Vatican opened Tolton's cause for canonization in 2010, and Pope Francis declared him Venerable in 2019, recognizing that he lived a life of heroic virtue. His beatification cause is ongoing.

The film's release was reported by the Black Catholic Messenger and comes as the National Black Catholic Congress prepares for November, which is designated as Black Catholic History Month. Dioceses across the country are planning observances and educational programs to mark the month.

The film is part of a broader effort to bring Black Catholic history into the mainstream. The traveling exhibit "What We Inherit," which explores truth and repair related to the history of enslavement, is also making its way through Catholic institutions this fall.

Black Catholic leaders say Tolton's story is one of perseverance against extraordinary odds. He was turned away by every American seminary before being accepted in Rome, and he faced racism even after his ordination. His life is seen as a model of faith and resilience for Black Catholics today.