The Encyclopedia of American Catholic History

About this book

This first reference work of its kind ever published in the United States is a splendid and unique achievement created by hundreds of historians and writers who cooperated to narrate the saga of American Catholicism. Beginning with Columbus this comprehensive work spans half a millennium and covers the men women and events that shaped Catholic life in a vast and diverse nation. Over1 200 articles 300 photographs and a million words comprise this elegant volume which provides American Catholics with a panoramic and extraordinary education in their identity and heritage. Edited by Michael Glazier and Thomas J. Shelley The Encyclopedia of American Catholic History recounts the struggles and status of American Catholics in every generation of the nations history. It also narrates and charts the phenomenal growth of the Church in each of the fifty states. It contains hundreds of factual biographies of men and women from all stratas of society. It focuses on the explorers; the pioneering Spanish French and English missionaries; the struggles of the colonial and revolutionary era; the turbulent and transforming nineteenth century with its waves of immigrants; the industrial revolution; and the challenges and crises of this century down to our day. All the major events and movements which united or divided Catholics are covered: The Revolution Lay Trusteeism slavery and the Civil War the arrival of immigrants Nativism and bigotry Americanism Modernism the Labor Movement the Knights of Columbus wars anti-semitism the New Deal and Prohibition anti- Communism McCarthyism the Womens Revolution civil rights Vietnam Human vitae liturgy and capital punishment. Other subjects which were often neglected by past historians are given greater consideration. These include the role of women and Native Americans and the growth of Catholicism in the United States. The great personalities men and women from each decade and era are perceptively portrayed and rewarding attention is given to the women lay and religious who played a major role in educating and forming the Catholic children of America for over five generations. Entries are arranged alphabetically for convenient use by those who preach teach or study. The primary aim of each entry whether it reflects some original research or summarizes existing scholarship is to provide basic information while its bibliographical citations open the road to further study. The American Catholic Church has been the home to a vast variety of people. The notable men and women who appear in these pages represent countless millions who are little known. But American Catholicism today is the living monument to their lives and labors. Knowing their history gives todays Americans confidence and The Encyclopedia of American Catholic History is a celebration of their faith. The contributors to this work have been selected for their scholarship and competence. Among the hundreds of distinguished contributors are: James Hennesey Kathleen Neils Colzen Mary Oates Karen Kennelly James Pula Philip Gleason Steven Avella Dominic Monti Jaime Vidal Kenneth Baker Sandra Yokum Mize David OBrien Thomas Spalding Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb Gerald Fogerty Clyde Crews Christopher Kauffman Robert Trisco Patrick Carey and Mary Elizabeth Brown. The Encyclopedia of American Catholic History is the first reference work of its kind ever published in the U.S.A. was created by hundreds of historians and writers covers al the major events which united or divided Catholics recounts the struggles and triumphs of American Catholics in every generation of the nations history includes extensive coverage of American dioceses religious communities and saints charts the growth of the Church in each state contains hundreds of biographies of men and women from all stratas of society includes over 1 200 articles 300 photographs and a million words includes entries arranged alphabetically for convenient use by those who preach teach or study includes cross references and bibliographies to direct further study merits a place in academic public and personal libraries Some of the over 1200 topics and entries include: African Americans and Catholicism Americanism Anti-Catholic Bigotry in United States Augustinians in United States Baltimore Plenary Councils Baltimore Provincial Councils Benedictines in United States Bishop W. Howard Founder of Glenmary Brownson Orestes Burke John J. CSP Cabrini Mother Frances Xavier Calvert George First Lord Baltimore Capuchins in United States Carey Mathew Carmelites in United States Carroll Archbishop John Christian Family Movement Catholic Relief Services Catholic University of America The Catholic Worker Movement Catholic Writers Catholic Book Publishing Catholic Magazine Publishing Catholic Newspaper Publishing Catholics and Wars Catholics and the Civil War Cistercians of the Common Observance in United States Cistercians of