Advocating for Sainthood: Black Catholics from Baltimore Push for Canonization of Six Potential Saints

The push for sainthood for six Black potential saints from the United States is gaining momentum, as three members of St. Ann Parish in East Baltimore recently met with leaders of the ‘Dicastery’ for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican to advocate for their canonization.

Ralph Moore, Dolores Moore, and Mary Sewell shared their personal experiences of being Black and Catholic, highlighting the racial prejudice and discrimination they faced in the Church. They emphasized the importance of having Black saints recognized, as a way to acknowledge the contributions and struggles of Black Catholics in the United States.

The potential saints in question include Mother Mary Lange, Sister Thea Bowman, Julia Greeley, Mother Henriette Delille, Father Augustus Tolton, and Pierre Toussaint. These individuals have made significant impacts through their charitable work, educational efforts, and courageous actions.

During their meeting with the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Baltimore visitors discussed the backgrounds of the six potential saints and presented over 3,000 letters of support for their canonization. They expressed a desire for all six to be canonized together, but understand that they may be done individually.

The group received support from leaders in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, including Auxiliary Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski and Archbishop William E. Lori, who blessed the letters being sent to Rome and sent a letter of support to the Vatican.

Overall, the efforts to advocate for the canonization of these Black potential saints highlight the importance of diversity and representation within the Catholic Church, and the recognition of the contributions of Black Catholics to the faith.