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1404 East 9th Street
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Contact Information
1404 East 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 696-6525
(800) 869-6525
Black Catholics on the Path to Sainthood
The Catholic Church recognizes holy men and women whose lives reflect extraordinary faith, service, and devotion to God. Among these inspiring figures are seven Black Catholics from the United States and the Caribbean whose causes for canonization continue to inspire the faithful today. Their lives remind us that holiness is lived through love, sacrifice, perseverance, justice, and service.
The Catholic Church's canonization process includes four major stages:
“The saints are our brothers and sisters who have welcomed the light of God in their heart and have passed it on to the world, each according to his or her own hue.” Pope Francis
The Saintly Seven reflect the diversity, resilience, and faithfulness of Black Catholics throughout history. Their witness spans education, evangelization, religious life, charitable service, priesthood, and advocacy for justice. Together, they demonstrate that holiness is accessible in every vocation and every walk of life.
Learn their stories. Share their witness. Pray for their canonization. Let their lives inspire us to live our faith with courage, compassion, and hope.
Born in New Orleans as a free woman of color, Mother Henriette Delille experienced a profound religious conversion and dedicated her life to serving the poor, the sick, the elderly, and those marginalized by society. She founded what became the Sisters of the Holy Family, whose mission focused on education, healthcare, and charitable outreach. She was the first U.S.-born Black American formally postulated for canonization.
Current Status: Venerable
Born into slavery in Missouri, Father Augustus Tolton escaped to Illinois with his family and later became the first recognized Black American priest. Despite facing racial prejudice and significant hardships, he remained steadfast in his priestly ministry and became a respected spiritual leader in Chicago and beyond. His life continues to inspire Catholics through his example of perseverance and fidelity.
Current Status: Venerable
Mother Mary Lange founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first successful religious community for women of African descent. Arriving in Baltimore, she recognized the need for education among Black children and devoted her life to teaching, caring for orphans, serving the elderly, and ministering to those experiencing poverty and discrimination.
Current Status: Venerable
A gifted educator, evangelist, speaker, and singer, Sister Thea Bowman became a powerful voice for racial reconciliation and cultural inclusion within the Church. Raised in the Methodist tradition, she entered the Catholic Church as a child and later became the first African American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Even while battling cancer, she continued sharing the Gospel with joy and courage.
Current Status: Servant of God
Known as Denver's "Angel of Charity," Julia Greeley was born into slavery and later became renowned for her generosity to the poor. Deeply devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she distributed religious materials, cared for struggling families, and quietly served those in need throughout her community. Her witness demonstrates the power of humble, faithful service.
Current Status: Servant of God
Born in Haiti and brought to New York as an enslaved person, Pierre Toussaint eventually gained his freedom and became a successful hairdresser and philanthropist. He used his resources to care for the poor, support widows, educate children, and welcome orphans into his home. Many regard him as a founding figure of Catholic charitable outreach in New York.
Current Status: Venerable
Born in Massachusetts, Friar Martin Maria de Porres Ward became the first African American ordained in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. Following his ordination, he served for 44 years in Brazil as a parish priest, teacher, confessor, and hospital chaplain. His ministry was marked by compassion, humility, devotion to the Eucharist, and love for those on the margins.
Current Status: Servant of God
