Father Tolton

Father Tolton (1854 - 1897)

Trinity Icons is honored and pleased to exclusively offer a limited edition print, signed and numbered by iconographer Joseph Malham, of Father Augustus Tolton. Father Tolton (1854-1897) was the first African-American Catholic priest who lived a life of dedicated service and tireless ministry to the people of God (as well as enduring great prejudice) and because of this life of heroic faith, his cause for sainthood is now underway in Rome. He served as pastor of St. Monica's Church on Dearborn Street in Chicago for several years before dying suddenly during the great Chicago Heat Wave of 1897.

The icon of Father Tolton, like all icons, does not have an exterior light source but shows one that is illuminated from within. The Servant of God has suffered, served, struggled and fought the good fight and now dwells, divinized and triumphant, with God in God's Uncreated Light that permeates everything. Being African American, Father Tolton was denied admittance to American seminaries but was accepted in Rome. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the red tassel on his biretta was an honor reserved only for priests who studied in Rome.  He is vested in a white chasuble which signifies not only his love of the Mass but Easter joy and his immersion in the Paschal Mystery.  Father Tolton blesses the viewer with his right hand and even this silent benediction honors Christ; the three fingers joined recognize the Holy Trinity while the two fingers raised declare the Humanity and Divinity of Christ in One Person.

Father Tolton's left-hand rests over his heart, symbolizing his great and burning love for the People of God who he served here in Chicago. His fingers are slightly separated, symbolizing the prejudice and separation he and other African Americans experienced but which acts of love, service and forgiveness and one day heal and join.

This icon was commissioned by Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago and was underwritten through the generosity of Martha and Howell J. Malham.

The Father Tolton Print, signed, numbered and limited to a worldwide edition of only 2500, is reproduced on a 16"x20" stretched canvas and can be framed or has a hook to frame as is. As it is an icon and a vehicle for prayer and not merely a portrait, it is perfectly suited for churches, schools, offices or homes.

The Father Tolton Icon Print is $125.00 (plus $10.95 per print for shipping and handling) and is a signed canvas print on 16"x20" stretched canvas

Please allow 3-4 weeks for arrival. Half the proceeds will be donated to the Father Tolton Canonization Cause to help offset the enormous cost of the canonization. process.