Throughout history, members of the Black Catholic community have played a vital role in spreading the Gospel and fostering the growth of the Church. From St. Martin de Porres, who used his medical expertise to help the underprivileged in Peru, to Robert Cardinal Sarah, who overcame government oppression to become a priest in Guinea, their examples of devotion serve as an inspiration to the faithful.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we invite you to discover three books that explore the faith journeys and spiritual insights of instrumental members of the Black Catholic community – both past and present, and be encouraged in your own faith.
From Slave to Priest: The Inspirational Story of Father Augustine Tolton
Written by Sister Caroline Hemesath, From Slave to Priest tells the inspirational story of Father Augustine Tolton, one of the first Black priests in the United States.
Born into a Black Catholic slave family, Tolton defied the odds on his journey to the priesthood. Before he studied theology, Tolton worked as a janitor and often spent long hours in the church in prayer. During his free time, he attended clandestine classes taught by friendly priests and nuns who noticed his deep love for God and determination to serve his people. After the schools in America denied Tolton theological training, he moved to Italy with the help of his friends in order to receive his priestly education and ordination in Rome.
Upon returning to the states, Tolton became the pastor of St. Monica’s Church in Chicago, where he established a flourishing center for the community. Over the next 30 years, it grew to be a focal point for local Black Catholics. Although he died an early death at the age of 43, this slave-turned-priest left behind a shining legacy of holy service to God, the Church, and his people. His story serves as a source of strength for those facing persecution today.
God or Nothing: A Conversation on Faith with Nicholas Diat
Growing up in a remote village in Guinea, West Africa, Robert Cardinal Sarah was led to the faith through the influence of missionary priests. At a young age, Robert felt called to the priesthood and entered seminary, but government oppression of the Church forced him to leave the country to complete his education.
In 1979, John Paul II appointed 34-year-old Robert Sarah as the Archbishop of Conakry, Guinea, making him the youngest bishop in the Catholic Church. However, the region was fraught with dangers; not only had his predecessor been imprisoned by the communist government for several years, but Archbishop Sarah himself was targeted for assassination. This threat catalyzed John Paul II to call Sarah to Rome to serve as Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI named him Cardinal, and in 2014, he was made Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, where he served until February of 2021.
In this fascinating autobiographical interview, Cardinal Sarah gives witness to his Christian faith and comments on many current topics, including: the mission of the Church, the joy of the Gospel, the “heresy of activism,” and the definition of marriage.
We Are Beloved
Edited by Karianna Frey, We Are Beloved is a 30-day devotional book that explores the spiritual insights of the renowned Black Catholic evangelizer, teacher, writer, and singer, Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman.
When Bowman joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1952, she was the first Black sister to become a member. Throughout her ministry, she was passionate about making Black Americans feel welcome in the Catholic Church. In her powerful testimonies of gospel singing, preaching, and storytelling, she honored the richness of diverse communities and encouraged people of all races to find joy and unity in Christ.
Featuring select works from Bowman’s writings, reflections, presentations, and interviews, We Are Beloved encourages readers to reflect deeply on the concept of belonging within the Church community.
*Book descriptions adapted in part from their respective publishers.
Looking for more book recommendations?
In this Basilica Book Club post, discover five devotional books that will help you grow spiritually in the year ahead.