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Jan 1, 1493
First Missionaries in the Americas
Spanish Franciscians were sent to the new world to evangelize the native peoples. This important event led to the spread of the faith. Today, most of the population in the americas are Catholic. -
Jan 1, 1531
Our Lady of Guadalupe appears to St. Juan Diego
Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec. She convinced him to build a shrine to her in what is now Mexico City. When Juan came to the bishop of Mexico City to show him a sign, an image of the Virgin Mary was imprinted on his cloak, a miracle, even by today's technology. The shrine to Her holds the cloak, and it is one of the most visited churches on Earth. -
Jan 1, 1565
St. Augustine, FL is founded.
The first Catholic settlement in the modern US is St. Augustine. This sprang up into a very critical key in the Spanish empire. This shows how things can grow with God. -
St. Isaac Jouges is Martyred
Between 1642-1649, 6 Jesuits and 2 missionaries were killed around the Great Lakes Region. The most famous was St. Isaac Jouges. He was brutally tortured by the Mohawks, and eventually killed. This shows how dangerous the job of a missionary was in certain areas. -
Jacques Marquette Explores thhe Mississippi
Marquette was a priest who taught the Word to many Native Americans. He was appointed by the governor to explore a river. This river is now known as the Mississippi River, one of the largest in the world. His exploration helped colonists settle along the river, where many cities lie today. -
Bl. Junipero Serra creates the California Missions
Junipero Serra helped form many missions in California. He also helped the native peoples around the missions know and love God. Many of the missions he started grew into cities. Los Angeles started as a mission. Now it is the 2nd largest city in the US. -
US Constitution Allows Freedom of Religion and Seperation of Church and State
The US Constitution and Bill of Rights call for the freedom of religion and seperation of Church and State. This allows Catholics, amongst many religions to practice freely. It also means no religion is part of our goverment. This allows equality to be apart of our society. Today, many people come here to escape persecution, both religious and political. They can start a new life here and live the American dream. -
John Carroll is Elected First US Bishop
John Carroll was elected archbishop of Baltimore in 1789. His diocese was the entire US. He did many things to strengthen the Catholic Church in the US. He founded Georgetown University, the first American Catholic college. He also founded St. Mary's, the first American seminary. HIs actions grew the Church in many ways. -
St. Frances Cabrini is Canonized
St Frances Cabrini was an Italian immigrant who came here in 1889. She became the first US citizen canonized. -
JFK is the First Catholic President
JFK became the first Catholic president in 1961. In the 2 years he was president, he did many things for America. Sadly, he was assissinated in 1963. -
Pope Paul VI Visits the US
Pope Paul became the first Pope to visit the US on 10/4/1965. Pope John Paul visited the US multiple times, and Pope Benedict XVI has visited the US also. -
St. Elizabteth Ann Seton is Canonized
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton created the Sisters of Charity, the first religious society in the US. She also was the first native-born American to be canonized. -
St. John Neumann is Canonized
St. John Neumann was the Archbishop of Philadelphia. He opened many scholls and parishes. St. John Neumann became the first US bishop to be canonized. -
Kateri Tekakwitha is Canonized.
Kateri was a Mohawk who came to know and love God. In 2012, she was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI. She became the first Mohawk to be canonized.