Pierre Toussaint was born on June 27, 1766 in Saint Marc, Haiti. He was a slave owned by the Bérard family, who decided to educate Toussaint. As the Haitian Revolution kicked into motion, the Bérard family and their slaves left for New York City in 1787. Upon their arrival to the city, Toussaint was placed into employment with one of the city’s most popular hairdressers, with Mr. Bérard allowing Toussaint to keep much of his earnings. Toussaint was eventually freed in 1807 under the request of Madame Bérard. He went on to establish an orphanage on Franklin street where he educated dozens of orphans and sent them off for employment. Toussaint also helped to raise money to construct Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Mulberry Street. Toussaint attended daily Mass for 66 years straight. He died of natural causes on June 30, 1853, at the age of 87, and is currently the only layperson to be buried below the main altar of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  He was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1996.

Questions for reflection 

• Can you describe a time when you were mistreated, but turned the situation around to positively impact others?
• How can you help serve others in the spirit of Pierre Toussaint?
• What Catholic projects can you help support?