JACKSON – Brother A. Gerard Jordan, O.Praem, will tell the story of Father Augustus Tolton, one of the first and most influential African American priests, at  St. Mary Parish on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m.
Father Tolton was born a slave, but he and his family escaped to freedom and he eventually studied and was ordained in Rome. He founded St. Monica, one of the first black Catholic parishes in Chicago. His pioneering influence had a profound impact on church history.
The Diocese of Chicago is sponsoring a sainthood cause for Father Tolton. Part of that cause is spreading his story and asking for prayers. Brother Jordan is on the team seeking to have Father Tolton canonized.
The Office of Black Catholic Ministry in the Diocese of Jackson is sponsoring this presentation. It is free and open to all. Call Will Jemison, director, for more information, 601-948-8867.