In these model persons, our racial and religious heritage is linked. Their stories challenge each of us to find the path to holiness in our own lives.
Christianity had its roots in Africa long before it reached Europe. Saints are those historic and heroic men and women who have internalized the mystery of Jesus. This account includes women and men of African ancestry, as well as non-Africans, who through their love of God and His people, gave their lives and/or fortunes to foster religious vocations among Native Americans and people of color.
About the Process of Canonization
Venerable
(Servant of God) |
The title is given when the person is adjudged worthy of examination |
| Blessed |
Given when at least two miracles are performed at the invocation of the Blessed's name |
| Saint |
Given to a Blessed at completion of the process; a feast day is assigned; church's are dedicated in the Saint's honor |
Saints
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St. Peter Claver
Born: 1580; Canonized: 1888;
Member of the Society of Jesus
Peter vowed to be the slave of slaves forever. He lived his ordained life in Cartagena, Colombia. The remains of St. Peter Claver are under the altar of his church in Cartagena, Colombia, where he spent much of his life after being ordained a priest in 1616.
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St. Martin DePorres
Born: December 9, 1579; Canonized: May 6, 1962 by Pope John XXIII
He was a Dominican Brother and friend to Spanish, Indians, Negroes and all people. He never was ordained a priest due to his race.
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St. Monica
Born: Tagaste, Africa, 332 A.D; Died 387
Spent her lifetime praying for the conversion of her husband and her son, St. Augustine, who later became one of the Church's greatest Theologians
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St. Augustine
Born: Tagaste, Africa 354 A.D.;
Died 430.
His feast day is one day after his mother's, August 28. He became Bishop of Hippo in 395 and said, "the Church is founded on Jesus Christ."
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St. Anthony, Abbot
Born: Egypt, 251: Died 356 A.D.
Initiator of Monastic life and started blessing of animals, which is still done today on his feast day, January 17.
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Popes from North Africa
Pope St. Gelasius I
Reigned: 492-496. A.D.; Feast Day: November 21.
Pope St. Victor I
Reigned: 183 - 203 A.D.:
Feast Day: July 28
In 198 A.D., he ordered all Churches to celebrate Easter on the Sunday following the 14th day of the Vernal Equinox.
Pope Miltiades -- St. Melchiades
Born: Africa; Feast Day: December 10
First Pope to live in the Cathedral
of St. John Lateran in Rome.
He lived only 3 years as Pope
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Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
Born: North Africa, near Carthage:
Martyred: 203 A.D.; Feast Day: March 7
Both names are cited
in Eucharistic Prayer 1.
Felicity was servant to Perpetua.
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Saint Josephine Bakhita
Canonized: October 1, 2000
Daughter of Charity of Canossa. She was the first African woman to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in the 21st Century
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