History - Religion

Hughes: Lion of American Catholicism traces key events in the Episcopal career of John J. Hughes, New York’s fourth diocesan Bishop and first Archbishop. From the very beginning of his clerical career, Hughes was recognized as the premier defender of American Catholicism, and vigorously fought the agents of bigotry and prejudice both orally and in the written word. From his fearless defense of the Roman Catholic Faith against the Reverend Doctor John Breckinridge, to his diplomatic mission on behalf of the Union during the American Civil War, John Hughes always held the mantle of his Church high, ready to demonstrate its worthiness to assume a place at the table of the American dream. During an epoch of intense anti-Catholic and anti-Irish feeling, Hughes accomplished much for his Church through the building of a strong Catholic community, especially with outreach to the massive number of immigrants fleeing the devastating effects of the potato famine in Ireland. His contribution in the development of a strong network of religious, charitable, educational and social institutions would have a profoundly lasting effect not only in nineteenth century America, but for decades beyond.

By: Richard Daniel McCann

Bishop John J. Hughes, His Church and the Coming of Age of New York’s Catholic Irish traces key events in the transformation of the Catholic Church in New York and nationally as the result of the aggressive leadership of New York’s fourth diocesan Bishop and first Archbishop, John J. Hughes. Hughes accomplished much for the Church through the building of a strong Catholic community spurred in large part from the massive number of Catholic Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine in Ireland. Though never far from controversy, Hughes, through emphasis on education and the establishment of a strong network of religious, charitable and social institutions, started his people and church on the road to political power and influence in 19th century America and beyond.