Marguerite Bourgeoys: The Story of a Teacher, Sister and Saint

Marguerite Bourgeoys: The Story of a Teacher, Sister and Saint

The crisis of Faith among Canadian Catholics was readily apparent, as the results from the 2021 census recently revealed: In just ten years, nearly 2 million Canadian Catholics left the Church. That’s a decline from 12.8 million Catholics in 2011 to 10.9 Catholics in 2021. While these statics are tragic, it underscores … Read more

After the French Revolution and Napoleon, French Catholic Leaders Emerge in the Nineteenth Century

After the French Revolution and Napoleon, French Catholic Leaders Emerge in the Nineteenth Century

In the first chapter of his book, Des interêts catholiques au dix-neuvième siècle (Catholic Interests in the Nineteenth Century), describing the situation of the Church in 1800, the Count of Montalembert saw ruins and persecutions everywhere. In that vast shipwreck, he did not see the slightest sign that would justify any hope … Read more

On His Deathbed Daniel O’Connell Offered “My Soul To God, My Body To Ireland, My Heart To The Pope.”

On His Deathbed Daniel O’Connell Offered “My Soul To God, My Body To Ireland, My Heart To The Pope.”

European liberals did not sympathize with the Irish Catholic movement. Daniel O’Connell fought for the freedom of the Church and against the errors of the French Revolution. In this struggle, he exclusively used legal means. He always avoided the revolutionary and violent methods so common in Europe at the time. These standards … Read more

The “Beggar King” Secures Passage of Catholic Emancipation in Great Britain and Ireland

The “Beggar King” Secures Passage of Catholic Emancipation in Great Britain and Ireland

In 1823, the cardinals gathered to elect Pius VII’s successor. They were divided into two main currents. The conservative “zealots” bore this name that indicated their orientation. The “moderates” supported Ercole Cardinal Consalvi’s less stringent positions. In addition to these traditional groups, Austrian Prince and Diplomat Klemens von Metternich tried to organize … Read more

Cardinal Consalvi Tries to Find Common Ground Between the Irish and English Catholics

Cardinal Consalvi Tries to Find Common Ground Between the Irish and English Catholics

The British government’s three conditions for granting an Emancipation Bill were the main points of disagreement between English and Irish Catholics during the early nineteenth century. These conditions were an oath of allegiance, the right to veto Holy See appointments in Great Britain and Ireland, and the need for prior official authorization … Read more