Advocating for Sainthood: The Fight for Recognition of Black Potential Saints from the U.S.

The push for sainthood for six Black potential saints from the United States gained momentum as three members of St. Ann Parish in East Baltimore met with leaders of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican. Ralph Moore, Dolores Moore, and Mary Sewell shared their personal experiences of being Black and Catholic, highlighting the discrimination they faced in the Church.

The potential saints under consideration include Mother Mary Lange, Sister Thea Bowman, Julia Greeley, Mother Henriette Delille, Father Augustus Tolton, and Pierre Toussaint. The Baltimore visitors met with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro and Father Boguslaw Stanislaw Turek, undersecretary for the dicastery, to advocate for the canonization of these individuals.

Ralph Moore emphasized the importance of recognizing Black saints from the U.S., stating that it feels like rejection when there are white saints but none who are Black. The group presented over 3,000 letters in support of the canonization of the six potential saints, highlighting their charitable and courageous work.

While there are separate groups working on each individual cause, Ralph Moore hopes that all six will be canonized at the same time. He expressed gratitude for the support of leaders in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, including Auxiliary Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski and Archbishop William E. Lori.

The efforts to advocate for the sainthood of these Black potential saints reflect a desire for inclusivity and recognition of the contributions of Black Catholics to the Church. The meeting at the Vatican marked a significant step in the journey towards canonization for these individuals.