Lecture on American Catholic Literature, Brooklyn, 1860

Last updated on: October 15, 2012 at 4:51 am By Pat McNamara

Catholic Literature in the United States– Address of the Rev. Dr. Pise (The Brooklyn Eagle, October 12, 1860) The Rev. Dr. C.C. Pise, pastor of Sydney Place Church, last evening delivered an address before the Catholic Library Association at their room on the corner of Court and Joralemon streets. A large number of ladies and gentlemen were present. Dr. Pise spoke as follows: “YOUNG GENTLEMEN: It affords me very great pleasure in compliance with your very flattering invitation, to meet... Read more

The Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart (1890)

Last updated on: October 12, 2012 at 12:44 am By Pat McNamara

The work of the Institute began in Baltimore, the first house being opened in 1890. The Very Reverend Provincial of the Josephites, feeling the need of Sisters to help him in the missionary labors of the Society, found a few ladies who desired to devote themselves to the work, and, after usual probation, gave them the habit and later allowed them to pronounce the simple vows of religion, he being appointed their Ecclesiastical Superior. Then began the life which they... Read more

St. John the Baptist Church, Manhattan (1840)

Last updated on: October 8, 2012 at 7:58 am By Pat McNamara

“The necessity of hearing the Word of God in their own tongue, and of having their children taught the Christian doctrine in the tones familiar to them from the cradle, led the German Catholics to exert themselves to have separate churches where they could enjoy these advantages.” The first German Catholic church in New York City was founded in 1833 on the Lower East Side, St. Nicholas. But the German community was expanding further West, and they wanted a parish... Read more

Kaiser Wilhelm Sends Portrait to Virginia Nuns, 1913

Last updated on: October 2, 2012 at 3:58 am By Pat McNamara

KAISER’S GIFT TO VIRGINIA NUNS Special to the New York Times The New York Times, June 7, 1913 RICHMOND, Va., June 16— The Sisters of St. Edith’s Academy, near Manassas, have received from Emperor William a large oil painting of himself with the Emperor’s autograph. The academy is under the direction of Benedictine nuns, most of whom are German. They recently wrote to the Kaiser, congratulating him on his jubilee, and asking him for an autographed photograph. Instead of a... Read more

Mayor Flees to Monastery, 1908

Last updated on: October 1, 2012 at 8:33 am By Pat McNamara

MAYOR IN MONASTERY: Was Saloon Owner and Politics Led Him to Shun the World The New York Times, July 11, 1908 DUBUQUE, Iowa, July 10— Mayor H.A. Schunk, saloon owner and politician who disappeared recently. was to-day found in the Trappist Monastery, eighteen miles from here. Troubles in legal and political affairs are listed as the cause for official’s desire to shun the world. It is said that he is following the rigid discipline of the monks, arising at 2 a.m.... Read more

Catholic Poetry

Last updated on: September 30, 2012 at 6:06 am By Pat McNamara

The Starry Host By John Lancaster Spalding THE COUNTLESS stars, which to our human eye Are fixed and steadfast, each in proper place, Forever bound to changeless points in space, Rush with our sun and planets through the sky, And like a flock of birds still onward fly; Returning never whence began their race, They speed their ceaseless way with gleaming face As though God bade them win Infinity. Ah whither, whither is their forward flight Through endless time and... Read more

Catholic Poetry

Last updated on: September 1, 2012 at 8:49 am By Pat McNamara

A SOUTHERN FLOWER A flower of the pale, sad South, Yet pale nor sad is she; For she blooms on a wonderful tree, That knoweth not blight nor drouth, A certain miraculous tree Our Lady has planted down South. A rose, let me call you, dear girl; A fadeless and thornless rose. So richly your modesty shows Its blushes bewjewll’d with pearl, And a dew-drop of grace every pearl, That I think of the mystical rose. But the Lord of... Read more

On Vacation till the 25th!

Last updated on: August 11, 2012 at 6:19 pm By Pat McNamara

Dear Friends, Unfortunately I will not be posting any blog pieces for the next two weeks as I will be on vacation for two weeks. Have a great summer and see you in two weeks! Sincerely, Pat McNamara Read more

Catholic Poetry

Last updated on: August 4, 2012 at 5:18 am By Pat McNamara

THE TRANSFIGURATION And they lifting up their eyes saw no one but only Jesus (St. Matt. xvii 8) No one but Jesus but our blest Redeemer, No one but Jesus our most blessed Lord, No one but Jesus Christ the Son of justice, Jesus the Son of God the Christ the Word. Oh what was earth to them and all its beauties, The creatures of His hand and of His will, For they saw Jesus in the light of heaven,... Read more

“The Happiness of Being a Catholic”

Last updated on: August 3, 2012 at 5:35 am By Pat McNamara

I thank God that I can say, “It was a true report that I heard in mine own land,” of the glory and blessedness of the Catholic Church. “Mine eyes have seen it, and behold the half was not told me; it exceeded the fame which I had heard.” Nay, when I remember the doubts and misgivings which I felt when I was a Protestant, and the many fears with which I shrank from joining myself to a system which... Read more