Around the Diocese

Father Tolton Drama Comes to Queens

Andrae Goodnight, at right, portrays Father Augustus Tolton in the production “Tolton: From Slave to Priest” at DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago. (Photo: Catholic News Service/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic)

The diocesan Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns will host the “Tolton: From Slave to Priest,” at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Queens Village, on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Born a slave in Missouri in 1854, Servant of God Father Augustus Tolton became the first African-American Catholic priest ordained in the United States. The postulator of his cause for canonization is Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago, Ill.

“Tolton: From Slave to Priest is a live, one-man multimedia drama based on the life of Father Tolton. Produced by St. Luke Productions, the show offers a message of hope, reconciliation and healing.

The show runs about 75 minutes, and is suitable for ages 10 and up. Admission is free. Seating is first come, first served.

A free-will offering will be collected.

For more information, call the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns Office at 718-574-5772, or visit ToltonDrama.com.