The Saintly Seven
At present, there are no canonized African American saints. However, the Church honors many Black saints from other nations, including St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Martin de Porres, St. Augustine of Hippo, and St. Charles Lwanga, among others. These holy men and women bear witness to the global richness of Black Catholic spirituality and sanctity.
Currently, seven African American men and women are on the path toward sainthood: Pierre Toussaint, Mother Mary Lange, Mother Henriette Delille, Father Augustus Tolton, Julia Greeley, Friar Martin De Porres Maria Ward & Sister Thea Bowman. Each has demonstrated a life of virtue and deep faith, and their causes have been officially opened. Their lives stand as powerful testimonies to the pursuit of racial justice and reconciliation—both within the Church and in the broader society. Learn about them at www.usccb.org/saintly-seven