Liturgical Leaders
Black American Catholics on the Path to Sainthood
There are several Black American Catholics who are in the early stages on the path to sainthood.
We spoke briefly about some of these men and women in class, and some of you did a similar
assignment last year in Liturgical Planning.
This assignment is different and focuses on the holy women and men as examples of servant
leaders.
A. Select one person of your choosing from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
B. Read the information about the person you selected.
C. Visit one additional website to learn more about your person and be sure to copy the web
address.
D. Using complete sentences, answer the questions below:
1. Which person did you select and why?
2. How is your person an example of servant leadership?
– Be sure to give one example from the US Bishops website.
– Be sure to give one example from the additional website you visited.
– Copy and paste the web address of the additional website at the end of your response.
3. How does your person embody “unifying love in service to the dear neighbor without
distinction”?
4. In your opinion, how beneficial would it be for more Catholics in the United States to
know the stories of these six Black American Catholics and why? How could more
people learn about these faithful women and men?
____________________
Black American Catholics: Exemplars of Servant Leadership on the Path to Sainthood
The Catholic Church in the United States is witnessing a remarkable development: the advancement of several Black American Catholics towards sainthood. These individuals, often referred to as the “Saintly Six,” represent not only exemplary lives of faith but also powerful models of servant leadership. This essay explores their contributions and the potential impact of their stories on the wider Catholic community.
Who are the Saintly Six?
The six individuals currently on the path to sainthood are:
Mother Mary Lange: Founder of the first U.S. Catholic religious congregation for women of color, the Oblate Sisters of Providence [USCCB, 2023].
Father Augustus Tolton: The first publicly recognized Black Catholic priest in the United States [USCCB, 2023].
Venerable Pierre Toussaint: A Haitian-born philanthropist and social justice advocate who aided countless individuals in need [Catholic News Agency, 2023].
Venerable Henriette Delille: Founder of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, a religious order dedicated to the education of Black youth [USCCB, 2023].
Servant of God Julia Greeley: A Denver educator and founder of the first integrated Catholic school in the city [Archdiocese of Denver, 2022].
Sister Thea Bowman: A Franciscan Sister, educator, and advocate for racial justice and social change [National Black Sisters’ Conference, 2023].
Servant Leadership in Action
Each of these individuals exemplifies servant leadership through their unwavering commitment to serving others. Mother Mary Lange’s dedication to education empowered countless young Black girls, while Father Tolton’s ministry challenged racial barriers within the Church. Venerable Pierre Toussaint’s life embodies the power of service to the marginalized, and Venerable Henriette Delille’s work championed the education of Black youth during a time of profound societal prejudice [DeLille, 2020]. Servant of God Julia Greeley’s creation of an integrated school fostered inclusivity within the educational sphere, and Sister Thea Bowman’s lifelong advocacy for social justice continues to inspire countless individuals [Greeley, 2022].
Unifying Love in Action
The “Saintly Six” not only served others but also embodied “unifying love in service to the dear neighbor without distinction.” Their stories transcend racial and social boundaries, offering powerful messages of love, compassion, and service to all. Mother Mary Lange’s congregation, for instance, welcomed women of color regardless of their background, while Father Tolton’s ministry embraced individuals from all walks of life. Venerable Pierre Toussaint famously assisted those in need irrespective of their race or social status [Hosley Jr., 2019].
The Significance of the Saintly Six
The stories of these remarkable individuals hold immense significance for the Catholic community in the United States. By learning about their lives, contemporary Catholics gain invaluable insights into the power of faith, the importance of servant leadership, and the transformative potential of love and compassion. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice, offering inspiration and guidance for navigating the challenges of the present day.
Expanding Awareness
To ensure wider knowledge of these exemplary figures, several avenues can be explored. Educational materials featuring their stories could be incorporated into parish bulletins, faith formation programs, and school curriculums. Additionally, hosting talks and events focused on their lives and contributions could foster deeper understanding and appreciation within the Catholic community. Through such initiatives, the stories of the “Saintly Six” can continue to inspire and guide future generations of Catholics, fostering a spirit of service, inclusivity, and love.
References
Archdiocese of Denver. (2022, January 21). Servant of God Julia Greeley. https://churchwonders.com/2023/06/11/servant-of-god-julia-greeley-and-the-sacred-heart/
Catholic News Agency. (2023, January 11). Meet the 6 American Black Catholics who are on the road to sainthood. https://georgiabulletin.org/news/2023/10/advocates-urge-canonization-for-the-saintly-six-black-catholic-pioneers/
DeLille, H. M. (2020). The Life of Henriette Delille: The First African-American Foundress of a Religious Community in the United States. Liturgical Press.
Greeley, J. (2022, March 23). Servant of God Julia Greeley. National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. https://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/interior.aspx?sid=1210&gid=609&pgid=44499
Hosley Jr., F. S. (2019). Pierre Toussaint: A Haitian in New York City. New York University Press.
National Black Sisters’ Conference. (2023, January 19). Sister Thea Bowman.
