At the epoch of Independence, 1776, the number of Catholics in the new
republic was estimated at twenty-five thousand. The spiritual wants of
this comparatively small body were ministered to by nineteen priests, who
were under the jurisdiction of the bishop Vicar-Apostolic of London,
England. By 1790, the number of priests was doubled, and a bishop was
appointed. In 1840, there were in the United States one million five
hundred thousand Catholics. By 1855, they had grown to two millions. In
the twenty-one years from 1855 to 1876 the increase was from two millions
to six million five hundred thousand. This extraordinary growth, though
rapid, was, nevertheless, vigorous and healthy. There was a corresponding
increase in the numbers of the clergy, as well as of religious and
educational institutions. For the instruction and spiritual comfort of so
great a flock, there were, in 1879, no fewer than five thousand three
hundred and fifty-eight priests, with fifty-six bishops and archbishops,
five thousand and forty-six churches, three thousand seven hundred and
eleven oratories and missionary stations. Religious houses have also
increased in due proportion. In 1855, there were only fifteen religious
houses for men in all the United States. There are now ninety-five.
Communities of religious sisters, who chiefly devote themselves to works
of charity and instruction, also flourish. In 1855 there were only fifty
such communities. There are now two hundred and twenty-five. Educational
institutions of a religious character also abound. In 1800, there was only
one Catholic academy for girls in all the United States. At the present
day they number more than four hundred. Catholic colleges have increased
from two to sixty-four.
The number of parochial schools is not so great, in proportion to the
population, as in the Province of Quebec. This is accounted for by the
still defective state of religious liberty in the United States. There is
a sort of State fanaticism there in favor of common or national schools.
Whilst Catholics cannot avail themselves of such institutions, which
provide only a Godless education, they are, nevertheless, heavily taxed
for their support. Being so burdened, it is surely much to the credit of
the Catholics of the United States that they, in addition, support two
thousand two hundred and forty-four parochial schools, besides six hundred
and sixty-three colleges or academies, and twenty-four seminaries, for
higher and ecclesiastical education. Notwithstanding the drawback alluded
to, Pius IX. entertained a high idea of the North American Republic, and
he showed that he did so when he declared that it was almost the only
country wherein he could exercise, without hindrance, the duties of his
sublime office. He further evinced his appreciation by raising several
American bishops to the dignity of archbishop, and one to that of
cardinal. The Archbishop of New York is the first American who has enjoyed
the high position of cardinal. He was formally thanked for this
well-merited honor by the President of the United States, and all America
concurred in extolling the wisdom of the choice which gave the dignity to
the Most Rev. Archbishop McCloskey, of New York.