Catholicism in America (and the New World)

Colonial Era Background Christopher Columbus sails across the Atlantic in search for a quicker route to India and discovers the New World. (Bahamas) -Colonization and evangelization efforts begin. -Catholic Spain and Portugal lead the way establishing missions and colonizing much of South and Central America, and some of the Southern US.

Natives 3 main civilizations: – Aztecs (Mexico) – Mayans (Southern Mexico/Central America) – Incas (Peru) Polytheistic Practiced Human Sacrifice Collectivized society (no individual)

Conquistadors Hernan Cortes Accomplishmetns 1.Military conquest of Aztecs (1000:1 odds) 2.Elimination of human sacrifice and cannibalism. 3.Establishment of civilized, fair, just government in New World. 4.Exploration of Central America. 5.Support of missionary activity.

St. Peter Claver Spanish Jesuit who worked in Cartagena (Colombia). Evangelized and cared to enslaved Africans. Gave them food, medicine and reminded them of their human dignity.

St. Kateri Tekawitha Canonized 12/21/2012 Born to Mohawk parents in 1656, her mother died of smallpox. The disease also disfigured Kateri’s face. Converted as a teenager, baptized at age 20. Led a devoted life towards the Eucharist and to Jesus. Died at the age of 24. Known as the “Lily of the Mohawks” and the first Native American Saint.

Canadian Missions French Jesuits begin to evangelize in Northern US and Canada. North American Martyrs – 6 French Jesuits and 2 assistants are martyred between – Killed by Iroquois Indians in what is today Northern NY and Ontario. – St. Isaac Jouges : Captured, tortured and enslaved by the Iroquois. Escaped, went back a few years later. Recaptured, stripped, cut with knives, took a hatchet to the head then decapitated.

Catholics and the 13 Colonies Religious Freedom only existed in NY, PA, and MD colonies – Lord Baltimore is given the a charter for the land between Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. “The Charter of 1632” Lord Baltimore wants to establish a colony where Catholics can live free from the Protestant persecution in England. Maryland is settled 2 years later and named after who?

Maryland 20 Catholic gentlemen and 300 indentured servants first settled the colony. When service contracts were done the servants were granted land and the right to vote thus making a Protestant majority. However Catholics and Protestants remained in harmony. Maryland Toleration Act of established to help protect Catholics from imminent Protestant mis-treatment. Not lasting  Maryland is taken over by Protestants The Church of England becomes the established Church of Maryland 1692 Act of Religion  Mass forbidden, Catholics cannot vote, converting was punishable by death and more.

The Revolution America Declares war on England in 1776 due to a number of “Intolerable Acts.” Catholics generally opposed the British. Charles Carroll of Carrollton – Prominent Catholic from Maryland who used his wealth to help the American cause, served on the first Continetnal Congress and signed the Declaration.

During the Revolution Notable Catholics -Charles Carroll -Fr. John Carroll -Lafayette (French General) -Pulaski and Kosciusko (Polish military officers) -John Barry (Father fo the American Navy) -France and Spain -Daniel Carroll and Thomas FitzSimmons (signed the Constitution)

After the War 25,000 Catholics in the United States Baltimore Diocese becomes the first diocese of America (covered all 13 colonies) John Carroll becomes the first Bishop and Archbishop of America. Seminaries and Catholic schools are established. – Georgetown 1789, St. Mary’s 1791.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton First native born American Saint. Begins the Sisters of Charity in the U.S. Establishes the first Catholic Orphanage in America. Feast day: January 4

Immigration to the US 1850 – 2 million Catholics 1865 – 4 million Catholics French, German and Irish immigrants come to America. Huge increase in America’s Catholic population. 1880’s over 1 million more come from Eastern Europe Why?  Better jobs, land, freedom

Anti- Catholicism & Nativism A policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants. Anti- immigrant sentiments. 5 6

Anti-Catholicism The Awful Disclosure of Maria Monk – Book written by Protestant ministers claiming to be an ex-nun telling scandalous stories of convent life. Convents mobbed and burned. Churches destoryed in Nativist riots Know-Nothing Party, American Protective Association and the KKK were all anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant organizations within the US.

St. John Neumann Born in Austria John Neumann went to America and became a priest. Worked amongst the German Catholics who had immigrated. Worked very hard to shepherd his people, giving sacraments, taking care of the sick and teaching.

Frances Cabrini Founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Worked with the Italian Immigrants in the US who were very poor and underprivileged. Opened many schools, hospitals and orphanages.

Katherine Drexel Donated her entire inheritance to charity (about $15,000,000). Established the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Aimed to help the impoverished African Americans and Native Americans. Built many schools and orphanages. Visited Belmont Abbey in 1904.

Civil War Slavery had been condemned by Pope Gregory XVI in Catholics fought on both sides of the Civil War.

20 th Century million Catholics live in the U.S. (16%) 82 Diocese 12,000 Priests 1000’s of religious

World at War Many Catholics fight for their country. US Bishops create the National Catholic War Council Catholic movement and action grow within social justice, political and economic spheres after WWI

First “Catholic” President John F. Kennedy Marked a great victory against American Anti-Catholicism Says that he will not let his religion influence his political performance. – People feared that he would put the Vatican before the United States. Set an unfortunate precedent amongst Catholic politicians  divorce your religion and politics. Jr03ADQmk

Vatican II and the American Church American Catholics had great enthusiasm for the council. Catholic sentiment and practice drops during the Council Dissent against Humane Vitae, general anti authority within America, crazy liturgies… Sex abuse scandals that were covered up hurt the church. rch=Search+

Interesting Facts The Vatican lifted America’s “missionary status” in Diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the US was not established until 1984.

Diocese of Wichita History Jesuit missionaries arrive in SW KS in 1847 Diocese founded in 1887 – Bishops John Hennessy Mark Carroll – (namesake of Bishop Carroll) Maloney Eugene Gerber - develops structural model of stewardship Thomas J. Olmstead Michael O. Jackels Carl Kemme

Diocese of Kansas St. Rose Philippine Duchesne of the society of the Sacred Heart opens school for girls in KS, OK, and MO. Pottawatomi Indians named her “the woman who prays always”

Fr. Emil Kapun Fr. Emil Kapaun dies a prisoner of war in a Chinese Communist Hospital in Korea, May 23 at the age of 35. Because of his heroism both as a priest and a chaplain to the prisoners of war in the Korean prison camp, the Diocese of Wichita and the US Military are seeking his canonization.

Kansas Bishops Bishop Eugene Gerber – Developed the structure for the stewardship model for Diocese of Wichita. Bishop Michael O. Jackels – Together Vision to unite parishes and people to the Diocese for future directions. Bishop Carl Kemme 2014-Present

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