Drawing comparisons to Catherine McAuley, Britney writes, “...she created the Sisters of Mercy and dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick, and uneducated. She rejected societal norms of her time, since many women did not have access to education; Catherine McAuley not only provided girls with education but also a place to stay. Pierre also defied societal norms; a former slave who, after winning his freedom, devoted his life to serving others. His life teaches current and future Catholics to look after others who are in need. He also teaches us to put our trust in God's hands.”
Britney says Toussaint inspired her because “he committed most of his life to charity and to God, even though he was brought into this world as a slave and faced discrimination because of his race. It is very important today that Black Catholics should be recognized as saints because they continue to devote their lives to God, despite all the racism and discrimination they may experience from others.”
Britney is a dedicated member of the St. Catharine’s community. A member of both the English and Spanish National Honor Societies, she is also a member of the Film Club. Inspired by those who give, Britney volunteers as an after school tutor and is considering nursing as her major in college.
You can read her full essay at sistersofmercy.org/pierre-toussaint/