We all know the story of America’s founding. Over a period of years, European Protestants found their way to the new world, established colonies, fought for freedom against the repressive taxation and unjust leadership of King George and decided to start a new form of government. But did you know that Catholics had an important role in all of this? It’s not often mentioned in the history books. However, as is often the case, the humble witness of Catholics changed the course of history.
First, can you guess who wrote the first Bill of Rights in the land that was to become the United States? I’ll give you a hint - it wasn’t James Madison. In 1773 on the far edge of what is now the United States, a Spanish Franciscan friar wrote the Spanish Viceroy with intent of reaching the King of Spain advocating for the dignity and rights of the indigenous people he served. His name was Junipero Serra and he is now a saint, known for evangelizing California. His Bill of Rights pre-dates the official Bill of Rights by nearly 20 years.
Also, you might not know this but Maryland was originally a Catholic colony. And Charles Carroll, a representative of Maryland was the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence. His bravery alongside the other signers gave Catholics standing in the new world and the new government despite a lot of anti-Catholic bigotry in the colonies. By the time we get to the Constitution two more Catholics joined the ranks of our growing government - Thomas Fitzsimons and Carroll’s cousin Daniel - both signatories on the US Constitution.
As the Revolutionary War raged, it was the French Catholics who bailed out the Americans when things were at their darkest - particularly at Yorktown in 1781. And two of Washington’s close advisors from France, Admiral de Grasse and General Rochambeau were openly Catholic. In addition, Irish-Catholic Stephen Moylan, who started as an aide to Gen. Washington was eventually promoted to head up the cavalry where he led a large number of Irish Catholics fighting for our freedom.
Lastly and most beautifully, immediately following the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781, the Continental Congress met at Old St. Mary’s Church in Philadelphia to celebrate the end of the war with a Mass of Thanksgiving where they sang the Te Deum in Latin.
Here is the English text of the Latin hymn:
You are God: we praise you;
You are God: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
Your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
And the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
The eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
You did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death,
And opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
Bought with the price of your own blood,
And bring us with your saints
To glory everlasting.
Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
Govern and uphold them now and always.
Day by day we bless you.
We praise your name forever.
Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
Lord, show us your love and mercy;
For we put our trust in you.
In you, Lord, is our hope:
And we shall never hope in vain
This first thanksgiving celebrated by the United States Congress was not around a table but before the altar at a Catholic Mass. This Mass was offered as an act of gratitude to God. It was a stunning act of unity - Protestants and Catholics worshipping together.
So, this 4th of July, as we celebrate America’s birthday, let’s make a point to offer a special prayer for all these souls - whether Protestant or Catholic - who fought for our dignity and freedom. Let’s pray they are in the Heavenly kingdom and most importantly let's ask for God's blessings in helping us remain united in these United States.