A portrait of Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first recognized African-American priest, is displayed during a June 26 Mass in his honor at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. In his homily, celebrant Archbishop Nelson Pérez said Tolton modeled a Christ-like response to racial injustice through his courage, perseverance and charity.

Prior to celebrating a June 26 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in honor of Venerable Augusts Tolton, Archbishop Nelson Pérez greeted faithful personally.

Archbishop Nelson Pérez spoke with Tolton Ambassador Madeline Tymes, who with her husband Ernest has been a longtime supporter of the canonization cause for Venerable Augustus Tolton.

Knights of Peter Claver provide an honor guard for Archbishop Nelson Pérez and several concelebrants during a June 26 Mass in honor of Venerable Augustus Tolton at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

Archbishop Nelson Pérez speaks with several Tolton Ambassadors, who advocate for the canonization of Venerable Augustus Tolton, after a June 26 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul celebrating the legacy of the priest, the first recognized African-American to be ordained. (Gina Christian)

Philadelphia-area Tolton Ambassadors are seen with Archbishop Nelson Pérez and Father Dennis Gill after a June 26 Mass in honor of Venerable Augustus Tolton (the first recognized African-American priest) at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

A portrait of Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first recognized African-American Roman Catholic priest, is now on display at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul near the tomb of St. Katharine Drexel, who provided support for his pastoral mission in Chicago. (Gina Christian)