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9 Inspiring Black Saints You Probably Don’t Know About

Posted byBy Megan Reed | Published on: CommentsComments (2)

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St. Anthony the Great

St. Anthony the Great was born in Egypt in the year 251. He came from a Christian home and was always deeply involved in church and the Holy Scripture. At the age of 20, both of his parents died and he felt called to follow Jesus’ word to “go, sell what you possess and give it to the poor … come follow me.”

He lived the rest of his life working in a nearby village, dedicating himself to prayer and helping the poor. He was tempted by worldly desires, but rather than give in, he recommitted to prayer and fasting in order to overcome. He ministered in prisons at the time of Christian persecution and healed the sick.

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Pierre Toussaint

Pierre Toussaint was born in Haiti in 1766 and was brought to New York City as a slave. He gained access to skills such as reading, writing and hair dressing, where he quickly learned the trade. Once his master died, he used his trade skills to support his master’s widow and other house slaves so that they would not be sold.

Once a free man, he donated to charities, opened a home and school for orphans and nursed the abandoned people suffering from yellow fever.

He attended Mass daily. When encouraged to retire and enjoy his wealth he said, “I have enough for myself, but if I stop working I have not enough for others.” A venerable, he is in the process of becoming a saint.

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