The Holy Six are six African American Catholics who have been recognized by the Church for their heroic virtue and are on the path to sainthood. Each of them lived lives of deep faith, service, and commitment to God despite facing racism, discrimination, and social hardships. They are in different stages of the canonization process, and their causes continue to inspire Catholics today. These six individuals—Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Augustus Tolton, Venerable Mother Mary Lange, Servant of God Julia Greeley, and Servant of God Thea Bowman—represent the rich history of Black Catholicism in the United States and serve as models of perseverance, holiness, and love for Christ and His Church.
Pierre Toussaint was born enslaved in Haiti and brought to New York City, where he became a successful hairdresser. Despite gaining his freedom, he remained deeply committed to serving the poor, often using his earnings to help those in need. He was a devout Catholic who attended daily Mass, cared for orphans, supported struggling immigrants, and even sheltered the sick during cholera outbreaks. Known for his humility and generosity, he is considered one of the early pillars of the Catholic Church in New York. Pope John Paul II declared him Venerable in 1996.
Henriette Delille was a free woman of color from New Orleans who rejected the societal expectations placed on women of her status. Instead of marrying, she dedicated her life to serving the poor, elderly, and enslaved people. In 1842, she founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, a religious order for Black women, to provide education and care for those in need. Her deep faith and determination helped establish a legacy of service that continues today. Pope Benedict XVI declared her Venerable in 2010, recognizing her heroic virtue.
Father Augustus Tolton was the first recognized Black Catholic priest in the United States. Born into slavery in Missouri, he escaped with his mother and siblings to freedom. Despite facing extreme racism, he persevered in his vocation and studied for the priesthood in Rome, as no U.S. seminary would accept him. Ordained in 1886, he returned to the U.S. and ministered to Black Catholics, founding St. Monica’s Church in Chicago. His dedication to evangelization and unity made a profound impact on the Church. Pope Francis declared him Venerable in 2019.
Mother Mary Lange, believed to have been born in Haiti, moved to Baltimore and dedicated her life to educating Black children at a time when it was illegal to do so. In 1829, she founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first religious order for African American women, which provided education and spiritual formation for Black youth. Despite hardships, she remained faithful, trusting in God’s providence. Her cause for sainthood was opened in 1991, and she was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2023.
Julia Greeley was born into slavery in Missouri and later gained her freedom. She moved to Denver, Colorado, where she became known as the “Angel of Charity” for her tireless work helping the poor. Despite having little herself, she would walk the streets at night delivering food, clothing, and aid to those in need. A devout Catholic, she had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. Her cause for sainthood was opened in 2016, and she is a Servant of God.
Sister Thea Bowman was a dynamic educator, evangelist, and advocate for racial justice within the Catholic Church. Raised in a Methodist family in Mississippi, she converted to Catholicism as a child and later became a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. She was a gifted speaker and musician who used Black cultural traditions to bring people closer to God. Even while battling cancer, she continued to inspire others through her faith and joy. In 2018, the Vatican officially recognized her as a Servant of God, the first step toward canonization.