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Meet America’s first Black Priest, Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, in this audio drama adapted from our live stage production. The drama opens with nine-year-old Augustus Tolton’s harrowing escape from slavery to freedom. In a leaky boat with bullets whizzing overhead, his mother courageously rows the family across the Mississippi River. They settle in the town of Quincy, Illinois, where hardships and persecution continue to afflict them. Despite all this, Augustus perseveres in his deep desire to become a Catholic priest. Rejected by all U.S. seminaries, he is finally ordained in Rome. When he returns to America, he tirelessly serves people of all races, especially the former slaves who flock to Chicago.

Actor Jim Coleman’s powerful performance as Father Tolton is complemented by a wide cast of supporting characters. The remarkable story is enhanced with Tony Manfredonia’s moving musical score inspired by traditional African American spirituals.

Length: 73 min

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