KPCLA St. Anthony of Padua Court #360

04/12/2026

04/12/2026

02/26/2026

Black History!

In a 1909 issue of Extension magazine, Catholic Extension Society published this photo of Father John J. Plantevigne, SSJ, one of the first Black priests ordained in the United States, with his statement: “The Negro shall be treated as a man and not a problem.” The article advocated for the rights of Black parishioners and clergy in the Church.

Father Plantevigne belonged to St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, a religious order better known as the Josephites that was originally founded in England. They stood in solidarity with the Black community, and established their presence in the U.S. right after the Civil War to serve those freed from slavery.

For over a century, Catholic Extension Society has supported the work of the Josephites as they ministered to Black Catholics.
This , learn more about the incredible work of the Josephites: https://cathext.in/42DwoNN

01/24/2026

11/22/2025

11/18/2025

VENERABLE HENRIETTE DIAZ DELILLE, SSF

March 11, 1813 - November 17, 1862

Henriette Díaz DeLille, SSF was a Louisiana Creole of color and Catholic religious sister from New Orleans. She founded the Sisters of the Holy Family in 1836 and served as their first Mother Superior. The sisters are the second-oldest surviving congregation of African-American religious. In 2010, Pope Benedict XV! declared her venerable which is the second step in the canonization process.

08/10/2025

August Tolton became the first African American Catholic priest in the United States and was later declared venerable by the Pope!

Born a slave in Missouri, he and his family escaped and fled to Illinois, where he taught Black children's classes in religion. After many seminaries in the United States rejected him, he persevered and was able to study in Italy with the support of several leaders of the Catholic Church. He was ordained as a priest in Rome on Easter in 1886.

Cardinal Giovanni Simeoni, who ordained Fr. Tolton and sent him back to Illinois to preach, said, “America has been called the most enlightened nation; we'll see if it deserves that honor. If America has never seen a black priest, it has to see one now!”

Interesting fact: Though he would serve most of his tenure in Illinois, Tolton’s first Mass in America was actually in New Jersey, followed by a Mass in New York City, and he was known to preach throughout the United States, including in Washington, DC. Often called “Good Father Gus,” he was known for his tireless determination, his eloquence, his musical talents, and his devotion, including in caring for the poor and the sick. Pope Francis confirmed his heroic virtues in 2019, moving Fr. Tolton on a path to possible canonization.

07/26/2025

Congratulations to rising junior, Clinton Burks on being named the 23rd Junior Supreme Knight of the Knights of Peter Claver! Your leadership, faith, and commitment to service reflect the very best of what it means to be a Purple Knight.

07/24/2025

https://youtu.be/UdOS8TWyA5I?si=pqT5xbO7btsm9-66

As we continue to recognize the contributions that African-Americans have made to our country, Catholics recognized the many gifts and accomplishments of the...

07/22/2025

Congratulations Sr. Roberta!