The Cause for Canonization

On March 2, 2010, Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago, announced that he was beginning an official investigation into Father Augustus Tolton’s life and virtues, with a view to opening the Cause for his canonization.  The following year—on February 24, 2011—the Roman Catholic Church officially began the formal introduction of the Cause for sainthood of Father Tolton.  He is now designated Servant of God; and Historical and Theological Commissions have been established, with the responsibility for investigating his life and teachings.

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After being appointed Diocesan Postulator of the Cause for Augustus Tolton, Bishop Joseph Perry said,

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​“Tolton’s story is one of carving out one's humanity as a man and as a priest in an atomoshpere of racial volatility.  His was a fundamental and pervasive struggle to be recognized, welcomed and accepted.  He rises wonderfully as a Christ figure, never uttering a harsh word about anyone or anything, while being thrown one disappointment after another.  He persevered among us when there was no logical reason to do so."

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