PASTOR’S NOTES

This weekend we celebrate the courageous decision of our founding fathers to declare their independence from England. For months they listened to each other and their constituents recite what they perceived as injustices which denied them their human rights. The document they would sign would only begin their effort to form a new nation dedicated to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Many of those who were present in Philadelphia that day would return to their homes only to pack that they might join the forces formed to make a reality to what they promised. They would only be the first generation who would defend our country, preserve the union, and promote the rights of man. Their sacrifices would be followed by those of many others. We must never forget.

It is unfortunate that too many of our countrymen, indeed many of our co-religionists, are unaware of the place Catholics played in the successful revolution, formation of our nation, and the growth into a world power of the United States. Before the events which we mark this weekend, despite an atmosphere of persecution, churchmen of stature such as Isaac Jogues, Junipero Serra, and John Carroll had come to this missionary territory to preach, teach, and sanctify those who lived in the New World and those who would come to settle here. The latter’s brother, Charles would be present as the debates of the Continental Congress became more strident and its divisions more obvious its sole Catholic member would encourage all by his willingness to give his all to the cause of independence. He demonstrated such by signing his name as “Charles Carroll of Carrollton.” He did so that the British would know exactly who he was. He was the only Founding Father to do so. Though the name John Paul Jones is etched into history,  his Catholic counterpart: Captain John Barry is no less famous. And one can never discount the assistance provided by Catholic France and Poland. Even as children we were taught about the exploits of the Marquis de Lafayette, Count Casimir Pulaski, and Tadeusz Kosciuszko among others, not counting those men and women known only to God who identified with our cause.

From its infancy the nation was served by many who were enlivened by faith and the challenges of evangelizing the young nation. Bishop John Carroll, of the same family of the signer from Maryland, supported the efforts of the convert Elizabeth Baley Seton in establishing a religious community to serve the poor medically and educationally. John Neumann, the Bohemian immigrant, following his ordination went from New York City to Buffalo to encourage his hearers to remain faithful as they built their communities and in the case of many, the Erie Canal. Pierre Toussaint remained where he had been brought as a slave and reached out to provide charity to those struggling. The industrialization of the nation and its expansion beyond the borders of the original colonies provided many opportunities for missionaries who not only taught the faith but formed communities, provided services, and established structures which provided bases for future cities. Sadly, two tragedies affected the Catholic population: the nation divided over slavery exploded in civil war.  The population of the faithful was as divided as the states in which they dwelled. History books, newspapers, and pictorial depictions reveal priests ministering to soldiers on both sides. Despite their loyalty to their country members of the Church came under attack by groups such as the Know Nothing Party, the Orange Institution, and the Ku Klux Klan. Bishop John Hughes had to seek the assistance of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to protect the churches of the Archdiocese. The recent controversies about Moslems seeking to build Mosques in some communities recalls this period when in order to purchase property for a Catholic Church, front men who were sympathetic Protestants had to be found to cause a sale. Father Michael McGivney established the Knights of Columbus to assist families who had lost the breadwinner and who were turned away by other agencies. Mother Katherine Drexel, a child of privilege, left a life of comfort to serve the needs of the African American and Native populations of the prospering nation. More recent times would not be found wanting in terms of heroic figures of abiding faith. Our own community was blessed by the presence of Dorothy Day who constantly challenged the world to care for the poor and pursue a just peace, Fr. Vincent Capodanna, a Vietnam War Chaplain, gave his life for his troops, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen encouraged all to seek truth and avoid the destructive philosophies of materialism and secularity. These are but a few examples of men and women who have impacted our society with their religious values.

Gratefully, we can say that our faith community has prospered under our way of life and freedom. But it must also be said that, in turn, Catholicism has caused America to grow in every way. There are approximately 225 Catholic schools of higher education in the United States with alumni of every religious tradition. Our parochial school system still serves the purposes of not only the faith community but society as a whole. Our health care systems oversee 625 hospitals in addition to many senior facilities. Catholic Charities throughout the country touch millions of lives. Locally, Mayor Ed Koch has said repeatedly he would not want to contemplate a New York City without the charitable programs of the Church. Even in these difficult times we can still acknowledge the presence of over 40,000 priests, 17,000 deacons, 63,000 religious sisters and 5,000 brothers. Their efforts are supplemented by 30,000 certified lay ministers. This does not include over 150,000 teachers in our parochial schools,   As our population of Catholics grow, especially through RCIA, we know that the mission of the Church will continue to strengthen the purposes of our nation’s founding.

May the Lord bless our land.  May it realize the hopes of its founders and serve all members of the human family and preserve its principles for future generations.

Vivat Jesus,

Fr. Brian