Joseph B. Anciaux, SSJ (1858 or 1860–23 February 1931), was a Belgian Catholic priest who ministered in the United States during the early 20th century until his return to Belgium.
After witnessing racism among the American episcopate, Anciaux heavily criticized the hierarchy and his priestly faculties were eventually suspended in the Diocese of Richmond.
However, his protestations spurred Pope Leo XIII to establish the Catholic Board for Mission Work Among the Colored People in 1907.
During his ministry in Oklahoma, Anciaux developed an affinity for ministering to African Americans and soon came into contact with John R. Slattery, the superior of the Josephites.
[4]: 152 The Josephites, a society of apostolic life founded to work among African Americans,[1] offered Anciaux a missionary assignment to the Diocese of Richmond in Virginia.