We’re glad you’re back! In the first 3 episodes of this season of Holy Donors, Thaddeus, Andrew, Matt, and Rhen discuss the details of Pierre Toussaint's life. In this 4th episode, they focus on Pierre’s philanthropy and his legacy. The episode ends with each of our hosts casting his vote for whether or not Pierre Toussaint deserves to be called a holy donor.
In his lifetime, Pierre proved to be a holy, loving man. He served God, his family, and his community in so many ways, both big and small. Pierre helped beggars in the streets, he treated the poor during the cholera outbreak, he purchased freedom from slavery for his loved ones, and he and Juliette raised their niece Euphemia after Rosalie’s death. On a grander scale, Pierre founded orphanages, funded construction of old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and offered financial support to an order of nuns in Baltimore. Pierre earned good money as a hairdresser, and he and Juliette prioritized sharing their wealth with people in need. Because of Pierre’s faith and generosity, the Archdiocese of New York submitted Pierre’s application for canonization to the Vatican in 1986.
All that to say, you likely won't be surprised that our hosts declare, without hesitation, that Pierre Toussaint absolutely merits his place on our list of holy donors.
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Recommended reading:
Pierre Toussaint: A Biography by Arthur Jones
Ten Christians: By Their Deeds You Shall Know Them by Boniface Hanley
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