John Carroll Essay

John Carroll

Our history books tell us that John Carroll was the first Bishop of Baltimore. True, but he was so much more. John Carroll was the first American Bishop and undeniably had a significant influence that has ultimately lead to the United States having of the worlds largest Catholic populations. He was also a colleague of Benjamin Franklin and played a role in attempting to secure the neutrality of Canada during the Revolutionary War.

He helped establish Georgetown University as a place of instruction for priests, and also included women in higher education. He was a vital supporter of the Jesuit order during his service in both Europe and the United States. In a sense, he help pave the way for the election of today’s Jesuit Pope Francis.

He was an outspoken foe of slavery, calling for their education on plantations as a first step toward emancipation.

Our history books also tell us that Carroll was a man of virtue and deep spirituality. Living in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a time of uncertainty, yet he still managed to live an extraordinary life. I believe John Carroll’s life is worth reminiscing because all of us could learn a thing or two from his life. To say I would not be here at Scranton today if it were not for John Carroll may be a stretch but it maybe not a long one. Here’s why. In John Carroll’s extraordinary life he did much to protect and defend the rights of the catholic religion, as he further defended the Jesuit faith and while at the same time helped the United States win its independence from Britain.

John Carroll was born in Maryland in 1735 with his roots tracing back to Ireland and England. His father Daniel, was an immigrant from Ireland and his mother Eleanor, was an educated woman that came from a family of large wealth. John Carroll grew up on a plantation where his mother was his first teacher. It is speculated that his mother was the strongest influence in creating the man that he became. At age twelve Carroll was sent to a Jesuit grammar school where his teachers recognized him having traits beyond most 12 year olds. According to John Carroll magazine “

Carroll’s official religious life began in February of 1761 when he was ordained a priest. After which Carroll began teaching at the Jesuit College in Bruges. The following year he took his final vows, and was sworn into the Jesuit Order. It wouldn’t last long however, as the Jesuit order would be suppressed in 1773 by Pope Clement XIV. Upon hearing this news, he was heartbroken, not knowing what to do he reached out to his mother who commented, "The greatest blessing which in my estimation I could receive from God, would be immediate death." At this time, feeling lonely he returned home to Maryland to be with his mother.

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