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Pierre Toussaint (June 27, 1766 – June 30, 1853) was a formerly enslaved Haitian-American hairdresser and philanthropist, brought to New York City by his enslavers in 1787. He was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1996.
- CNA Staff
- Toussaint was brought to New York from Haiti as a slave by his masters, the Bérard family. After the death of Mr. Bérard, Toussaint supported Mrs. Bérard financially out of Christian charity until she remarried.
- He became a hairdresser at about the age of 20, while still enslaved by the Bérard family. Once in New York, he became the hairdresser of preference—and thus the confidante, of NY’s high society.
- He was highly regarded for his professional abilities, but more importantly, because he would always listen to the problems of his clients with profound empathy and with a supernatural perspective.
- He was highly regarded for honoring the trust put in him and would boldly refrain from gossip, especially when someone would try to elicit it in him. “The man is a hairdresser.
Learn about the life and legacy of Pierre Toussaint, a former slave who became a philanthropist and a leader in New York's Catholic community. Find out how to support his cause for canonization and his various programs and awards.
Feb 18, 2024 · Overlooked No More: Pierre Toussaint, Philanthropist and Candidate for Sainthood. He became wealthy working as a hairdresser in New York, then used his funds to free enslaved people, build ...
The Venerable Pierre Toussaint, a devout Catholic philanthropist and former slave from Haiti, lived and worked as a hairdresser in New York City. In December 1996, Pope John Paul II recognized the life and character of a former Haitian slave and New York City hairdresser, Pierre Toussaint.
May 28, 2022 · Learn about the life and legacy of Pierre Toussaint, a former slave who became a successful hairdresser and a generous benefactor in New York City. He was declared Venerable in 1996 and is the patron saint of barbers and hair stylists.
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Jun 27, 2021 · Learn 10 fascinating facts about Pierre Toussaint, a Haitian-born hairdresser who became a beloved Catholic figure in New York. He was a generous philanthropist, a confidante of high society, and a candidate for sainthood.
