The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1901-12-07

once took sides with his own country.
Bidding adieu to his friends and COM
panions, he sailed from England, and
reached his native land in June, 1774.
His first impulse was to visit his vener.
able mother and devoted sisters, with
the former of whom he took up his resi-
dence at Rock Greek. Here, at first, a
room in the family dwelling, and subse-
quently wooden chapel, We're the
scenes Of his ministerial offices. The
wooden chapel has since been super
seeded by neat brick church, which is
now we'll known under the reve1ed
name of Carols Chapel"
At the time Of his arrival in America
there was not one public Catholic
church in Maryland. Under the family
roof only could the Holy Sacrifice be Of
tered up to the Almighty. This ex-
plains why the old Catholic chapels of
Maryland contain large hearths and fire.
places within them, and massive brick
cllimneys projecting through the roofs,
In the once beautifully named Land of
the Sanctuary" there were then only
nineteen Catholic clergymen-all ex-
Jesuits, and nearly all natives of Mary.
land.
Father Carroll continued to reside at
Rnr1y Cpo01- a DO
his aged mother, to whose declining
years he was anxious to minister. The
scene of his missionary labors was
mainly in the neighboring country. He
always Travelled on horseback, making
long and frequent journeys to distant
Catholic families and settlements rid
ing frequently thirty miles or more on
sick calls, and paying monthly visits to
a small congregation of Catholics in
Stafford county, Va, which was distant
fifty or sixty miles from his home.
After about eighteen months thus
spent, the call Of his country sum-
moned Father Carroll to her service.
Open war ragged between England and
the Colonies. The hopes of a settlement
had vanished, and for the first time was
heard the magic sound of the word In
dependence. To gain the active assist
ance Of the Canadians, or at least to
secure their neutrality, was of the
highest importance. 1t is well known
that the embassy sent by Congress, in
1776, ITO accomplish the object, was
composed of Ben Franklin, Samuel
Chase, and Charles Carroll of Carroll
ton. Father John Carroll was earnest
ly requested to accompany them, 1t be-
ing supposed that from his religious
sentiments. character, and knowledge of
the French language, his presence and
counsels might be useful in promoting
the objects Of the mission with the
Canadians"
He acceded to the request of Congress.
While on the way, Franklin fell sick,
and his reverend companion nursed him
with true devotedness Indeed the priest
and the philosopher contracted a sim
cere. friendship, as we find from the
grateful letters of Franklin. Gas to
myself" he wrote, II grew daily more
! feeble. and think could hardly have
got along so far but for Mr.. Carroll's
friendly assistance and tender care for
me-" Franklin did not forget the pat.
riotic Jesuit when Catholic bishop was
wanted for the United States. The
embassy, however, was not a success.
On returning to Rock Greek, Father
Carroll resumed the duties Of his sacred
ministry, which he continued to perform
minterruptedly during the entire Rev
olutionary War.
Throughout the great struggle he
warmly sympathized with the cause of
Independence. In his correspondence
he explained and defended its princi-
pies. His fervent prayers were for its
success; and NO citizen Of the Republic
saw with greater joy the glorious con-
summation of the contest. In 1884, his
powers as controversialist were sum.
moned into service. The. Rev. Mr..
Wharton, his former friend and fellow
member of the Society of Jesus, had
apostatized from the Catholic faith, and
wrote public letter Attacking its prin-
ciples. Carrolls reply is noted for its
clearness, strength, and calm, trium-
plant logic.
He was appointed Project Apostolic
towards the close Of 1884, and the first
bishop of Baltimore in 1850. His do
cese was the United States, containing
ut that time about thirty thousand
Catholics, and some thirty or forty
priests. This small flock was scattered
at widely distant points from Maryland
to Michigan and along the Mississippi
valley. Bishop Carroll, arming himself
with courage, patience and prudence,
surveyed this immense field, and toiled
with the zeal of an apostle. Catholic
education received his earnest attention.
Georgetown College was opened in 1901,
and the first student to enter his name
on its books was William CASTOR, in af-
ter years n famous Judge.
On visiting Boston, the new Bishop
was we'll received. "It is wonderful"
he wrote, ''to tell what great civilities