Fr. Tolton’s Canonization Timeline
2010
Canonization Cause Plans Announced
In 2010, the Year for Priests, Francis Cardinal George announced his plans to open the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of Father Augustine Tolton. The Archbishop of Chicago wanted to present to priests one of their own whose own example of a holy life would help them pursue strive after sanctity.
2010
February 24, 2011
Canonization Cause Formally Opened
February 13, 2012
"Servant of God" Title Granted
With the investigations underway, the title of “Servant of God” was granted to Father Tolton.
February 13, 2012
September 29, 2014
Diocesan Phase of Beatification Process Closed
The diocesan phase of the beatification process formally closed when the official documents were sealed with red wax and sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. The “acts” of the case were officially opened in Rome on March 5, 2015 and on April 17, 2015 the Congregation for the Causes of Saints declared the investigations to have been conducted in a lawful manner.
June 21, 2016
Permission Granted to Examine Fr. Tolton's Remains
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints granted permission for Father Tolton’s grave to be opened and for his mortal remains to be examined.
June 21, 2016
December 9 – 10, 2016
Fr. Tolton's Remains Examined
Within prayer at the start and conclusion, the staffs of Catholic Cemeteries for the Diocese of Springfield and the Archdiocese of Chicago, in the presence of Bishop Thomas John Paprocki and Bishop Joseph Perry, exhume the remains of Father Augustus Tolton at St. Peter Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois. Tolton’s remains are examined by a medical examiner, forensic and anthropological specialists, and then enfolded within a new set of priestly vestments and reinterred awaiting news of his approval for beatification. The report of the exhumation was sent to Rome.
March 18, 2018
Historical Consultors Approve Positio
The historical consultors to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints gave their approval of the positio, the document arguing in favor of Father Tolton’s heroic virtue.
March 18, 2018
May 21, 2019
Canonization Cause Recommended to Pope Francis
The Cardinal members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints recommendation Father Tolton’s cause be taken to Pope Francis.
June 11, 2019
Fr. Tolton Declared Venerable
Pope Francis decreed the heroic virtue of Father Tolton and gave him the title, Venerable.
June 11, 2019
We now await the investigations into a possible miraculous healing attributable to the intercession of Father Tolton. If one is found and confirmed by the Holy Father, the Venerable Augustine Tolton will be declared among the Blessed.
If, after his Beatification, a second miraculous healing is found, Father Tolton will be declared a Saint.