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

The push for sainthood for six Black potential saints from the United States has gained 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. 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.

Ralph Moore, who has been leading the effort to canonize “the saintly six,” emphasized the importance of recognizing Black saints from the U.S. He recounted instances where Black parishioners were segregated in churches and denied access to holy water fonts, showcasing the deep-rooted racism within 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 from the dicastery, discussing the backgrounds of the six candidates and presenting letters of support for their canonization.

Ralph Moore expressed the desire for all six candidates to be canonized together, emphasizing their selfless and charitable work. The support from leaders in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, including Auxiliary Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski and Archbishop William E. Lori, has been instrumental in advancing the cause for sainthood.

The efforts to advocate for Black saints in the Catholic Church reflect a broader movement towards inclusivity and recognition of marginalized communities. As the push for canonization continues, the legacy of these potential saints serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Black Catholics in the U.S.