American Catholic History

Pierre Toussaint was a slave brought from Haiti to New York City in the late 1700s, where he became a celebrated and in-demand hairdresser and even more celebrated philanthropist. Tom and Noëlle Crowe relate how, even after he had the means to buy his freedom, he elected to remain a slave to care for his widowed mistress, among other notable charitable works in his life.

Julia Greeley was a former slave and Catholic convert who lived much of her life after the Civil War. Tom and Noëlle Crowe relate her zealous devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, her evangelistic fervor, and her service to the poor that led to her being declared a Servant of God in 2017.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Carl Schmitt was a great American artist and thinker of the 20th century. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us that his Catholic faith informed his understanding of how nature, and our ability to produce things like art, fit into the designs and plans of God.

Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first Catholic saint born in America and Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this early 19th century former Episcopalian socialite converted; founded a religious community and Catholic schools; and continued raised her own children despite heartbreak and loss.

Mother Beasley was a free Black woman who married into wealth and then gave it all away as a widow in order to found one of the first Catholic religious orders for Black women in the US. Tom and Noelle Crowe tell the story of this courageous woman who also defied the law to educate enslaved children and spent her life serving others.