IT IS NOT BECAUSE OF RELIGION.The United States in its Declaration of Independence and in its Constitution is committed to the SEPARATION of State and Church. The Italian Roman Catholic Hierarchy, in control of the Roman Catholic Church in this country, is constantly urging a UNION of Church and State, always, of course, meaning the Roman Catholic Church. When discussion is made upon this fundamental question the cry is heard: “It is deplored that any body of intelligent men should... Read more

John S. Foley, Right Reverend Bishop of Detroit Diocese, son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Murphy) Foley, was born in Baltimore, Md., November 5, 1833. In pursuance of early education Bishop Foley attended St. Mary’s College, Baltimore, from which he was graduated in 1851. Following this he studied in the seminary at Baltimore three years, at the end of which time he sailed for Rome. After three years’ diligent study for the priesthood he was ordained by Cardinal Patrizzi, December 20,... Read more

 WAS KNOWN THE WORLD OVER. Among His Achievements Were a Number of Cathedrals and Several Protestant Houses of Worship—The Unfinished Cathedral of This City Designed By Him—Completed Holy Trinity Spire. The Brooklyn Eagle, August 12, 1896, 12. Patrick C. Keely, widely known both in the United States and Europe as the “pioneer Catholic architect of America” and the designer and builder of over six hundred churches in this country, died at his home, 257 Clermont avenue, at 12:50 o’clock yesterday... Read more

This week’s Patheos column features the role that women religious played as hospital nurses and administrators in the American Civil War. To reach the article please click here. Read more

“News From the Suburbs— Father Woods’ Decoration Day Oration to Flatbush Veterans” The Brooklyn Eagle, May 30, 1896, 7. At 1 pm the James H. Kerswill Post, GAR, of Flatbush, with John W. Werner, commander, and John Norton acting as adjutant, assembled on the corner of Vernon and Flatbush Avenues, and was joined by the Frank D. Head post No. 16, commanded by Peter Nealis, and the members of the Veterans and Sons of Veterans’ Mutual Benefit Union, commanded by... Read more

NOT A STAR FROM THE FLAG SHALL FADE. Air: “Oh! a rare old plant is the ivy green.” Och! a rare ould flag was the flag we bore,‘Twas a bully ould flag, an’ nice; It had sthripes in plenty, an’ shtars galore— ‘Twas the broth of a purty device. Faix, we carried it South, an’ we carried it far, An’ around it our bivouacs made; An’ we swore by the shamrock that never a shtar From its azure field should... Read more

SERGEANT RICHARD W. O’NEILL At the first convention of disabled American Veterans held in the State of New York, on May 27, 1922, Sergeant Richard W. O’Neill of the 165th Infantry (the old 69th New York regiment) was chosen as the most conspicuous hero World War hero of New York State by a unanimous vote. Governor Nathan S. Miller was requested to appoint Sergeant O’Neill to represent the State at the dedication of the Hall of Fame of California at... Read more

Today marks the 104th birthday of my favorite movie star (and Catholic convert), John Wayne (1907-1979). Born Marion Michael Morrison in Iowa, he grew up in California and attended the University of Southern California, where he played football. A surfing accident ended his football career and he got into the movie business as a prop boy. From there he found leading roles, mainly in B-Westerns, until his 1939 breakthrough role in Stagecoach. His work with director John Ford resulted in... Read more

Born in Killleshandra, Ireland, John Drum came to America at fourteen. After a year in New York, his family moved to California. There he became a Deputy U.S. Marshal and joined the local militia (a precursor to today’s National Guard). He was mustered into the Union Army as a lieutenant in the Eighth California Infantry and served until the close of the war. In 1866, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the regular army. For the next thirty-two years... Read more

MR. JOHN E. DOOLEYDied at Georgetown, May 8, 1873 A notice in the Baltimore Mirror tells us that Mr. Dooley was a son of Major John Dooley of Richmond, Va., “whose kindly ministrations to wounded and suffering Union and Confederate soldiers, during the civil war, made his name familiar as a household word in both armies.” Mr. Dooley entered Georgetown College in 1856, at the age of fourteen. He left college from the class of rhetoric at the breaking out... Read more