Venerable Augustus Tolton Priest of Freedom
Paddy Bréagnamh
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library
ISBN 9798899680267
eISBN 9798899680274
ASIN B0FC73RHJ3
This is the sixth of 6 volumes currently available in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library that I have read. I have enjoyed them all and recommended a few of them to several people. I especially loved the volume on Pope Leo XIV. This volume I picked up the day it released and read it shortly after. The description of the book is:
“He was born enslaved. He became a priest. His story changed the Church.
Meet Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first openly Black Catholic priest in the United States—a hero of faith, resilience, and dignity.
From his family’s daring escape to freedom, to his rejection from American seminaries, to building a church that welcomed all, Augustus Tolton followed God’s call no matter the cost.
Perfect for ages 8–12, this inspiring illustrated biography includes:
A true story of courage and Catholic faith
A kid-friendly explainer on the path to sainthood
Fun facts, reflection prompts, and a closing prayer
Part of the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library, this book is a powerful introduction to one of America’s most important holy figures—and a timely story of perseverance in the face of prejudice.
Celebrate Black Catholic history and introduce young readers to a future saint whose life still shines today.”
I now suspect that the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a pen name, I can only find the 6 volumes in this series and the one on Saint Patrick in several bookstores online. This sixth, newly released volume I have The chapters and sections in the volume are:
Before You Begin
1. Born Into Chains
2. A Brave Escape
3. Learning in Secret
4. No Room at the Seminary
5. Priest at Last
6. Back to Quincy
7. A Church for All People
8. A Holy Legacy
9. Be Like Venerable Augustus Tolton
Closing Prayer
Biographical Timeline of Venerable Augustus Tolton
Glossary
More from the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library
This was the latest volume written in this series. I have another volume about Venerable Augustus Tolton that has been on my wish list for a long time, that I have not got around to reading. So I was very thankful for this introduction to this man and his incredible life.
This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has illustrations. The material is well put together. It is a good introduction to this venerable. I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume they are:
“Did you know the United States has a future saint who was born enslaved, became a priest, and changed history? His name was Augustus Tolton, and he didn’t give up—even when the world told him “no.””
“He was a child of God. And that meant he was never truly a slave.”
“Every Sunday, Augustus sat in the pews at St. Peter’s Church with his family, watching the priest, listening to the prayers, and learning more about Jesus. Something inside him stirred.”
“Father McGirr invited Augustus to come to St. Peter School, even though others objected. He told the teachers, “Let the boy learn.””
“But Augustus believed something else: If God called him, God would make a way. Even if that way meant waiting, hoping, and holding onto his dream—no matter how long it took.”
“And finally, all the way in Rome, Italy, a door opened. The Pontifical Urban University—a school for missionaries—said yes. Not just yes.”
“The bells of St. John Lateran Basilica rang out across the city of Rome. Inside, Augustus Tolton knelt at the altar in his white vestments. His hands were anointed with holy oil. His heart beat fast. After years of waiting, after all the “no’s,” after traveling halfway around the world… He was a priest.”
“Father Tolton tried to stay peaceful. He didn’t fight back with angry words. Instead, he prayed. He asked God for strength. He forgave those who insulted him. He kept showing up.”
“Even after his death, Father Tolton’s story spread far and wide. Young Black Catholics who had never seen a priest like themselves began to dream. Teachers used his story to inspire students. Priests told his story in homilies.”
“Right now, Father Augustus Tolton is Venerable. That means the Church sees him as a holy example—and people around the world are praying for a miracle so he can be canonized as a saint!”
“Dear God, Thank You for the life of Venerable Augustus Tolton. Help me to be brave like he was, To love others no matter what, And to follow Your call, even when it’s hard. Make me a light in the world—just like Father Tolton. Amen.”
I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. This latest release in this series is an excellent read. The series keeps getting better and better. It was an excellent little read in a great series.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series:
No comments:
Post a Comment