African Saints
African Americans on the Road to Canonization
African American Catholic Organizations
Archdiocese of Washington
100

He is considered the founder of monasticism, which is the beginning of all religious orders

Who is Anthony of Egypt?

100

This Haitian, who was formerly enslaved, said this when people told him to retire from his job as a hairdresser: "I have enough for myself, but if I stop work, I have not enough for others."

Who is Pierre Toussaint? 

100

The only Catholic HBCU

What is Xavier University of Louisiana? 

100

This parish was founded by emancipated African Americans in 1858. Often referred to as the "Mother Church for African American Catholics." 

What is St. Augustine?

200

These are the three Africans who were popes

Who are Gelasius, Victor, and Miltiades? 

200

She founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore, MD. - the African American religious order. She also started St. Frances Academy as a school for African American girls.

Who is Mother Mary Lange?

200

When turned away from the Knights of Columbus, African American lay men founded this fraternal organization that is still a vibrant part of many African American Catholic parishes. Named after a missionary in Columbia known for his ministry to the enslaved.

What are the Knights of Peter Claver?

200

In 1948 this Washington bishop led the way to desegregation of the American school system by racially integrating the Catholic schools of Washington six years before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled segregation unconstitutional.

Cardinal Patrick O'Boyle

300

He wrote The City of God, and is one of the founding fathers of the Catholic theological tradition

Who is St. Augustine?

300

He is the first recognized African American priest

Who is Augustus Tolton?

300

This gathering of African American laity, religious and clergy was established by journalist Daniel Rudd. 

National Black Catholic Congress

300

He was a composer of gospel music and choir director at St. Augustine who was influential bringing African American music and spirituality to the Catholic mass 

Who is Leon Roberts?

400

He is famous for his defense of Catholic doctrine, also is the source for "God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God" in the Nicene Creed

Who is St. Athanasius?

400

She founded the Sisters of the Holy Family to minister to enslaved and impoverished African Americans in New Orleans 

Who is Henriette Delille? 

400

This gathering of African American Women Religious was founded in Pittsburgh by Sr. Martin de Porres Grey, RSM in 1968

What is The National Black Sisters’ Conference?

400

He is the first African American Cardinal, and the current Archbishop of Washington

Who is Cardinal Wilton Gregory?

500

This martyr from Carthage had this to say when her father tried to convince her to renounce her Christian faith: “Do you see this vessel? Can it be called by any other name than what it is?’ ‘No,’ he replied. ‘So also I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am—a Christian.’”

St. Perpetua

500

She founded the Institute of Black Catholic Studies as Xavier University of Louisiana. She also spoke to the US Bishops about what it means to be Black and Catholic   

Who is Sr. Thea Bowman?

500

This was founded by Sr. Thea Bowman as a place to learn about the Black Catholic experience. It is located at Xavier University of Louisiana. 

Institute of Black Catholic Studies