Saint Luke Production Presents – Tolton From Slave to Priest
Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 PM – Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
(doors open at 6:00pm)
Admission: Free-Will Offering
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine is proud to host Tolton: From Slave to Priest.
This one-person production tells the story of Father Augustus Tolton (1854-1897), a slave from
Missouri who was ordained to the Catholic priesthood and served in Chicago. His cause for canonization (sainthood) is
presently being promoted by the Archdiocese of Chicago and Dioceses of Springfield (IL) and Jefferson City (MO).
The play will be held on Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 PM A free-will offering will be taken up to help the parish defray the costs of the production.
Mark your calendars and make plans to join us! You don’t want to miss this inspirational story
Martha Tolton was a Missouri slave and a mother, who knew there was only one way to save her family – she had to escape to freedom in Illinois. In the dead of night, she slipped away. It was twenty miles to the Missouri – Illinois border. On the other side lay freedom, but she had to get there first, and that meant crossing the vast Mississippi River. Terrified, she prayed for a miracle, and sure enough, God provided.
When reached the river, she found a dilapidated row boat and, with bullets from angry Confederate soldiers whizzing by her ears, she rowed to freedom. Now, more than 150 years later, we know God had a mission for this heroic mother.
Through Martha Tolton’s courage, determination, and most of all through her devout Catholic faith, the first African American priest, Father Augustus Tolton, was given to the people of God. His story is amazing and inspiring, and we need to hear it.
Tolton will have a powerful impact of healing in our country and all over the world, drawing ALL people to the truth of Jesus Christ. Like Mama Tolton crossing the Mississippi in a leaky boat in the middle of the night, let’s trust in God, and take a risk. Let’s cross that river, and bring freedom to souls through the Truth of Jesus Christ. It’s worth it.