One of the ‘saintly seven’ African Americans on the path toward canonization and America’s first Black priest, Venerable Augustus Tolton has a story of resilience that remains relevant to the Church today. His story is now being brought to life in the film Tolton: From Slave to Priest, now premiering in theaters across the country.
This dramatic film tells the story of Father Tolton, played by Jim R. Coleman, from his childhood in slavery to becoming America’s first Black Catholic priest. While Father Tolton encounters rejection, racism and challenging times, he shows extraordinary perseverance, forgiveness and trust in God.
“I was just so surprised how the audience was reacting so positively,” said Leonardo Defilippis, director of the film and owner of Saint Luke Productions. “They were extremely moved by the movie…that really kind of touched my heart.”
Premieres of the movie began in late September, with screenings in Quincy and Chicago, cities important to the ministry of Father Tolton during his life.
Defilippis hopes audiences will fall in love with Father Tolton’s story.
“[The film] could get people to think about him and pray to him,” said Defilippis. This would help get the two miracles needed for his canonization cause, he said.
Years ago, a priest from a small town first approached Defilippis about telling the story of Father Tolton while he was touring for a different film. At the time, the task seemed “impossible” to Defilippis for logistical and professional reasons. However, he had a change of heart when Cardinal Francis George of the Archdiocese of Chicago announced he was officially opening the cause for canonization of Father Tolton in 2010.
“He made an announcement in the sermon that starting the canonization process was probably the most important thing that he had ever done as a priest,” said Defilippis of Cardinal George. Coming from a mentor and friend, Defilippis took the request more seriously and felt called by the Holy Spirit to tell the story of the first Black Catholic priest in the United States.
The script became a multimedia play that launched in 2017. The play toured more than 400 shows across more than 30 states in America, reaching an audience of more than 75,000 people. Now as a film, Defilippis hopes to reach even more people.
In addition to learning more about Black Catholic history, telling Father Tolton’s story over the years has deepened Defilippis’ Catholic faith. When his six-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he prayed to God and Father Tolton for a healing miracle daily for two years. Even though his granddaughter died in early September, his love for Father Tolton hasn’t wavered.
“[Father Tolton] did things through healing, forgiveness and unity,” said Defilippis. “He’s so important for us today, right now, in our polarized, divided, wounded, broken society.”
In its nearly 80-minute runtime, Tolton: From Slave to Priest tells a story of the resilience of the first Black Catholic priest in our country and how he overcame a difficult life to become a leader in the Catholic Church.
Check toltonmovie.com for movie screening dates and to bring the film to your community.
Samantha Smith is a writer who serves the Archdiocese of Atlanta as a communications strategist. Connect by following her on Substack at “The Soulful Scene” and on Medium.
