American Federation of Catholic Societies
At the turn of the 20th century, Catholic lay groups throughout the country sought to create an umbrella organization to help coordinate activity between several overlapping societies, such as the Ancient Order of the Hibernian, the Knights of Columbus, and the Total Abstinence Union. Plans for such a national organization
Day of Great Joy: Sisters of St. Joseph in Philadelphia
Bishop Kenrick wrote that May 4, 1847 was a day of great joy for the Diocese of Philadelphia because it was on that day after weeks of traveling across the country from St. Louis, the Sisters of St. Joseph arrived to take control of St. John’s Orphanage.[1] Bishop Kenrick had
National Council of Catholic Women
Lay women associations have a long history in the Catholic Church. One such organization is the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW). Unlike other female groups, the NCCW was founded in 1920 as part of the National Catholic Welfare Council, a predecessor to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.[1]
Hometown Saint: Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Philadelphia
On March 19, 1889, Katharine Drexel decided to found a new order to advance the cause of Native-American and African-American education. On February 12, 1891, Katharine pronounced her vows as the first member of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People. She added one vow to