American Catholic History

St. John Neumann was the first male American saint. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tells us how this diminutive priest took a leap of faith by coming to the US from Europe to be a priest for His people. He eventually became bishop of Philadelphia, and along the way gained a reputation for holiness in bringing Christ through word and deed. The post St. John Neumann appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The first women's religious community in the US was the Carmel of Port Tobacco, Maryland, and Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about the Catholic families behind the founding, how they overcame anti-Catholic discrimination, and the restoration that preserved the sacred place. The post The Carmelites of Port Tobacco appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Frank Capra is beloved for his Christmas classic "It's A Wonderful Life," and in this revisitation of the famed director, Tom and Noëlle Crowe remind us that his distinctly Catholic vision of God, truth, and humanity gave his films the ability to counteract the meanness of the world. The post Revisiting Frank Capra appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Bernard Nathanson was one of the fathers of legalized abortion in the US and was himself responsible for thousands of deaths. But as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, he had a profound Catholic conversion late in life that could be compared to St. Paul's Damascus moment. The post Bernard Nathanson appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As we observe the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Tom and Noëlle Crowe remind us of the story of Fr. Aloysius Schmitt, an Iowa farm boy turned Catholic Navy Chaplain, who sacrificed his own life helping sailors aboard the doomed USS Oklahoma escape its destruction. The post Fr. Aloysius Schmitt and the Attack on Pearl Harbor appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Bishop Vincent Waters of Raleigh, NC, committed himself against racism in his diocese in the 1950s and 60s. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell how his commitment began, the strong and firm steps he took, the missteps he made, and the success that resulted. The post The Integration of Catholic North Carolina appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Lawrence Welk was a North Dakota farm boy-turned-musician who built TV juggernaut that lasted for 31 years. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how Welk built a career offering wholesome entertainment that fit with his devout Catholic faith and the virtues he valued. The post Lawrence Welk appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Fr. Augustus Tolton was the first black-identifying priest in the US, and Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us his story, from his rise from slavery to school to seminary in Rome to his return to the US, where he eventually became the pastor for all black Catholics throughout Chicago. The post Fr. Augustus Tolton appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The most highly decorated US military chaplain is Fr. Francis Duffy, a New York priest whose statue now stands in Times Square. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about Fr. Duffy's impressive intellect and his love for the men of the 69th Regiment he served in World War I. The post Fr. Francis Duffy appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Mother Cabrini was a tiny, Italian powerhouse who overcame prejudice and poverty to serve Christ's Church. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell her story, from her ill health to her mission from the Pope to America to winning over a reluctant archbishop to founding charities throughout the US to her canonization. The post St. Frances Xavier Cabrini appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In the late 18th century, a Catholic stranger appeared at the West Virginia home of Adam Livingston and died during his stay. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us of the strange, demonic events that followed, the exorcism that stopped them, and the surprising supernatural phenomena that then occurred. The post Wizard Clip appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In New Mexico, there is a shrine that some call the Lourdes of America. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us the history of Chimayó, its miraculous cross, its miraculous healing dirt, and the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who visit the sacred place every year. The post El Santuario de Chimayo appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dom Virgil Michel was a man ahead of his time in the early 20th century. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this visionary Benedictine played a huge role in liturgical development, catechesis, and social justice in the US, by showing how all three were intimately connected. The post Dom Virgil Michel, OSB appeared first on StarQuest Media.

St. Kateri is known as the Lily of the Mohawks and is the first Native American woman to be canonized. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us the story of the courageous young woman who risked alienation and sacrificed much to embrace discipleship of Jesus Christ. The post St. Kateri Tekakwitha appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Orestes Brownson was one of the most important American intellects in the 19th century and his writings were imbued with his Catholic thinking. Tom and Noëlle Crowe delve into Brownson's writings on two topics: the significance of America and slavery. The post Orestes Brownson’s American Thinking appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Orestes Brownson was one of the most important intellectuals of the 19th century and a restless religious seeker. In this episode, Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us of his lifelong journey that ended in the Catholic Church, and next time will share some of his most famous ideas. The post Orestes Brownson, His Biography and Conversion appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Simple German farmers fleeing European wars in the 19th century brought their Catholic faith with them to western Ohio. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how Fr. Francis de Sales Brunner and his order provided those small communities with more than 30 beautiful, soaring cross-tipped churches. The post The Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Vince Lombardi once said, "The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have." Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell the story of the legendary NFL football coach, who may not have been a saint, but strove to live his Catholic faith in everything he did, and gave his all, no matter what. The post Vince Lombardi appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Betty Hutton was a Hollywood star in the 1940s, the pinup girl with big energy and a big voice, but tragedy and addiction brought her low. That's when, as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, an encounter with a Rhode Island priest introduced Betty to Catholicism and Jesus Christ. The post Betty Hutton appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Baltimore's Basilica of the Assumption is America's first cathedral. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how Bishop James Carroll's vision for the church was to be a sign of the Catholic Church's universality and the presence and prominence of Catholics in America. The post The Basilica of the Assumption appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Fr. James Coyle's 1921 murder at the hands of an anti-Catholic father enraged at his daughter's conversion presaged the decline of anti-Catholic sentiment in Birmingham, Alabama. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about the martyrdom of this brave and faithful priest. The post Fr. James Coyle appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Charlene Richard is known as "the little Cajun Saint," and Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about this little girl who died at 12 years old, offering her suffering for others, and who has been known ever since for the miracles attributed to her intercession. The post Charlene Richard appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Shrines dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, are among the oldest in the United States. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tells us about six of them, the oldest of which, Ste. Anne de Detroit, is over 320 years old. The post Shrines of St. Anne appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Servant of God Mary Virginia Merrick never let her own disabilities prevent her from being Christ to those around her. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us the story of this wealthy 19th-century woman who founded the Christ Child Society, to serve the poor and needy children of Washington, DC and eventually well beyond. The post Mary Virginia Merrick appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Duke, John Wayne, only converted to Catholicism on his death bed, but Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this great actor recognized his own human flaws, extolled faith and virtue, and encouraged his children and grandchildren in their own Catholic faith. The post John Wayne appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Charles Carroll was the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us he was also the most well-educated and one of the wealthiest and perhaps had the most to lose. The post Charles Carroll of Carrollton appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Fr. Juan Padilla was a Franciscan missionary who traveled in what became the USA as part of Coronado's search for the 7 Cities of Gold. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us that Fr. Juan's search was for souls with whom to share the Good News and he would give his life in that pursuit. The post Fr. Juan de Padilla, Proto-Martyr of the USA appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The first bishop of the American territory of New Mexico, Jean-Baptiste Lamy was the subject of the historical novel "Death Comes for the Archbishop." Tom and Noëlle Crowe relate his work in bringing unruly clergy to heel and bringing the faith to uncatechized laity in the region. The post Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy appeared first on StarQuest Media.

All modern DNA science owes a debt to this formidable Dominican nun. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell the story of Sr. Miriam, who blazed a trail for women in science in the mid-20th century and showed that in coming to know truth, we know more about God. The post Sr. Miriam Michael Stimson appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In a special 100th episode, Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell the story of Noëlle's grandfather, Noël Dube, a man of deep faith whose bravery and sacrifice on D-Day and following was matched only by his faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother throughout his life. The post Noël Dube, Hero of D-Day appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Fr. Emil Kapaun may one day become the first Catholic saint who is also a Medal of Honor recipient. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about the dedicated US Army chaplain who died in a North Korean POW camp after selflessly praying with and encouraging his fellow prisoners to survive hell on Earth. The post Fr. Emil Kapaun appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Fr. Stephen Badin was the first Catholic priest ordained in the United States, a title he took great pride in. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about this gruff, rigid man who was also a tender and caring pastor, a man who traveled well over 100,000 miles in pursuit of souls for Christ. The post Father Stephen Badin appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Battle of Gettysburg is often considered a turning point of the Civil War. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how Catholics played key roles in the battle before, during, and after, including the Daughters of Charity who nursed the wounded and dying and Fr. William Corby, chaplain of the Irish Brigade. The post Catholics at Gettysburg appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Fr. Damien de Veuster came to the Hawaiian Islands in 1864 as a missionary and soon volunteered to minister to the leper colony on Molokai. Tom and Noëlle Crowe describe his ministry among those who were ill and set aside as one filled with joy and selfless love until his own death, which led to his canonization as St. Damien. The post St. Damien of Molokai appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In 1859, a young Belgian immigrant had an encounter in a Wisconsin forest with a woman surrounded by light. Tom and Noëlle Crowe relate how Adele accepted the call of Our Lady to catechize the children of the region and how 150 years later this became the first approved Marian apparition in the US. The post The Apparition of Our Lady of Good Help appeared first on StarQuest Media.

St. Rose Priory in Kentucky is the original home of the Dominican order in the United States. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how American-born Bishop Edward Fenwick brought the Order of Preachers to the US and established them here on the western frontier of the newborn country. The post St. Rose Priory and the Coming of the Dominicans appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Fred Allen was a hugely influential and beloved comic actor in the golden age of radio whose characters, tropes, and sketches have been imitated ever since. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us that even though Allen's Catholicism was public and obvious, his simple faith showed through. The post Fred Allen appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Margaret Brown did so much in her life--helping the poor, building churches, establishing a juvenile justice system, women's suffrage, even running for office and going into acting--that Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us she'd remarkable even if she hadn't also survived the sinking of the Titanic. The post The Unsinkable Molly Brown appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Jesuit missionary Fr. de Smet met, befriended, and evangelized nearly every native tribe west of the Mississippi in the mid-19th century and, as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, was prized among nearly everyone for his joy, his wisdom, his holiness, and his tirelessness in bringing Christ to all he could meet. The post Fr. Pierre-Jean de Smet, SJ appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Knights of Columbus are the largest Catholic fraternal and charitable organization in the world, and as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, we can thank the charismatic and holy young priest Fr. Michael McGivney for identifying the need for the Knights among his people and starting it all. The post Blessed Michael McGivney and the Knights of Columbus appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Mother Mary Bentivoglio's story is yet another of overcoming obstacles and persevering in faith. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this Poor Clare nun came to the US with her community in the late 19th century and was bounced around the country as she sought to establish her contemplative monastery. The post Mother Mary Magdalene Bentivoglio appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As great as St. Patrick is and important to Ireland, as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, the celebration of St. Patrick's Day didn't become the cultural phenomenon it is until Irish-Americans essentially created it and exported it around the world. The post The History of St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on StarQuest Media.

When Jesuit Father Ferdinand Farmer came to the US colonies before the Revolution, they were bitterly divided by religious intolerance. Tom and Noëlle tell us how his selfless, tireless efforts did much to break down the walls and help the Catholic faith to gain respect. The post Father Ferdinand Farmer appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The French-born Bishop Simon Bruté, first bishop of Vincennes, Indiana, was a famed intellectual and missionary. He was even associated with Napoleon Bonaparte. But Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us he was also a simple man of deep faith and very humble with a lasting impact. The post Bishop Simon Bruté appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Ever since he died, there has been speculation that George Washington converted to Catholicism on his deathbed. Tom and Noëlle Crowe look at the reasons why some think our first President did and the attitudes and actions in his life that were favorable toward Catholics. The post George Washington, Catholic? appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Mary Edmonia Lewis was a black Catholic woman who became a great sculptor. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tells us that in order to overcome prejudice against her she moved to Rome from the US early on and it wasn't until quite recently that Lewis received recognition for her great art. The post Mary Edmonia Lewis appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Cora Evans was a Mormon homemaker in the early to mid-20th century who lost her faith soon after her wedding. But Tom and Noëlle Crowe reveal how she reported mystical experiences ever since childhood that led her to Catholicism and eventually to a cause for canonization. The post Servant of God Cora Evans appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Mary Lou Williams was one of the great jazz musicians of the 20th century. As Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, when she'd had enough of the dissolute life that came with fame, Mary Lou eventually turned her heart to Christ, became Catholic, and put her musical talent in His hands. The post Mary Lou Williams appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The period between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday is known in some Catholic places as Carnival, a time to celebrate before the penitential season of Lent. Tom and Noelle Crowe Tell us that in many places it is far from the bacchanalia of the popular imagination with many family friendly customs. The post Carnival and Mardi Gras in the United States appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In Philadelphia in 1844, tensions between Catholics and Protestants over religious indoctrination in public schools boiled over into violence. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell how anti-Catholic nativism sparked running street battles that left dozens dead and dozens more homes, businesses, and churches destroyed. The post The Philadelphia Nativist Riots of 1844 appeared first on StarQuest Media.