Rev. Walter Elliott, author of the “Life of Father Hecker,” which was the cause of the Pope’s letter to Cardinal Gibbons regarding certain ideas expressed in the book, had a most adventurous and interesting career before he joined the Paulist order. Like Ignatius Loyola, he was a soldier and fought bravely and gallantly throughout the Civil War. He was not a soldier, however, by profession, but simply for love of his country. He always has been an intense American and... Read more

On December 8, 1897, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Sister Anthony O’Connell, died in her eighty-sixth year, having worn the religious habit of a Sister of Charity for sixty-three years. Synchronizing her departure with the soft and sweet harmony of the of the convent bell announcing the evening Angelus, the “Angel of the Battlefield” answered the call of the God of Battles. This happy co-incidence brought consolation to the Irish hearts about her, as there is an Irish legend... Read more

This week’s Patheos column features Chicago’s first Cardinal, George William Mundelein, who is often credited with “putting the Church on the map.” To reach the article click here. Read more

Captain in the United States navy, born at Tacumshane, County Wexford, Ireland, in 1745; died at Philadelphia, September 13th, 1803. Sent to sea at an early age, Barry was came to Philadelphia at fifteen, and stayed there until his death. He worked in the West Indies trade and commanded several vessels. On October 13th, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the purchase of two armed vessels for the beginning of the United States Navy. Barry immediately volunteered his services, and he... Read more

Fifth Sunday After Easter EPISTLE. St. James i. 22-27. GOSPEL. St. John xvi. 23-30. SERMON LXXIII. Amen, amen I say to you, if you ask the Father anything in my name, he will give it you. ST. JOHN xvi. 23. WHAT a wonderful promise this is that everything we ask of Almighty God, who is the Father of mercies, shall he granted to us, if we ask it in the name of his only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus... Read more

The College Play.IF I WERE KING.[“If Francois Villon were but king, to save France la Belle France, from those that would undo her glory!”]The St. Ignatius Collegian, Vol. VI, No. 2 (January 1907), 11-12. It is indeed a pretty picture that Mr. McCarthy has painted for us of the vain emptiness of ambition, of the fulfillment of thoughtless wishes and of the bitter mockery that lies behind the pomp and purple of kings. How a wandering bard, an idle genius,... Read more

Francis Mora, third Roman Catholic Bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles, was born near Vich, province of Barcelona, Spain, Nov. 25, 1827. Owing to the poverty of his parents, he was obliged to work hard for the means to pursue his education, which he completed at the seminary of his native city in 1854. He then attached himself to Rt. Rev. Thaddeus Amat, and accompanying him to California in November, 1855, he became busily engaged in mission work throughout the... Read more

The Champion of Greenpoint Few priests in the history of the Diocese of Brooklyn have been so closely identified with the life of a community as Rt. Rev. Msgr. Patrick F. O’Hare, pastor of St. Anthony’s parish, was identified with the life of Greenpoint. A towering civic, as well as religious, figure, he was admired and respected, sometimes feared and always obeyed by every element in the community. A staunch promoter of civic improvement and vigorous defender of Greenpoint’s welfare... Read more

Where are the Catholic Sisters? Anonymous The Brooklyn Tablet, April 17, 1909, 21. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Winds of the world give answer, North, East and South and West, Wherever there is good to accomplish, Or souls that can be possessed; Wherever there are human races To educate, nurse or to careCan be seen these devoted women– The Catholic Sisters are there. You can find them on fields of battle, ‘Mid volley from... Read more

This week’s Patheos column focuses on the Barrymores, Hollywood’s “Royal Family,” and their relationship with the Church. To reach the article please click here. Read more