He was in Cincinnati in early September for the convention of the Federated Colored Catholics of the United States. His picture appeared in the souvenir program along with those of Father Tolton, Dorsey, Uncles, Theobald, DuKette, and John. He made an impressive sight with his striking Trinitarian habit, the flowing white collar draped over his shoulders, the large colorful crosses on his black cape and his white habit catching the eyes of the assembled delegates. His face was a kindly, smiling one, and his dark skin and broad nose set off the serenity of his eyes and the wistful holiness that suffused his countenance. People sensed his deep religious piety, and were quick to notice his priestly reserve, and his forthright attitude toward the faith and the Church.
Outside of his speaking engagements, Father Augustine kept to the obscure routine of the assistant pastor in Bristol. He became well known in Catholic circles, especially among those interested in the colored apostolate. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament invited him to Torresdale, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1929 to conduct their annual pilgrimage to St. Michael's Church. He was there again welcomed by the faithful colored Catholics who had been bereaved but two years before by the death of Father Burgess.
For some time, Father Augustine had been troubled with stomach pains. In October, 1929, they were diagnosed to be chronic appendicitis. The doctors decided that he should go to New York for the routine operation.
In St. Francis Hospital on October 17, Father Augustine underwent surgery. Complications set in. He lingered for five days, and died on the evening of October 22, meeting God with the same meek, uncomplaining, and trustful spirit that he had shown in patiently waiting for his vocation during all of those long years.
People flocked to pray for him at his coffin-side in St. Ann's Church in Bristol, where his body lay in state until time for the obsequies. A solemn requiem mass was sung before the congregation of both whites and colored, weeping for their lost pastor. He was buried on October 26, in St. Mark's Cemetery outside of Bristol.
His obituary declared that God had given “just a glimpse of another noble colored priest to his people that they might long all the more ardently for many more such as himself, and do all in their means and power that worthy members of the race should ascend the altar of God . . .”
In his footsteps would follow many other candidates for holy ordination, in other branches of the Trinitarians, and many other religious orders as well.
______________________________________________________
* Biographical information combined from:
1. God's men of color; the colored Catholic priests of the United States, 1854-1954
Foley, S.J., Albert Sidney, 1912-
Farrar, Straus & Co., New York, 1955
2. Personal diary
Derricks, O.Ss.T., Augustine of the Ascension, 1887-1929
Unpublished - 1929
3. Eulogy delivered at St. Ann Church, Bristol, PA
Devers, Vincent A.,
Standard and Times, Philadelphia, 11.02.1929
4. Research notes and interviews
Riddick, O.Ss.T., Raymond of the Gospel, 1954- [email]
Unpublished - 1976
|