Fr. Juan de Padilla accompanied Coronado into what is today Kansas and became the first martyr on American soil for his efforts to evangelize.
Episodes about "America 250"
George Washington: Deathbed Catholic Convert?
Ever since he died, there has been speculation that George Washington converted to Catholicism on his deathbed. Tom and Noëlle Crowe look at the reasons why some think our first President did and the attitudes and actions in his life that were favorable toward Catholics.
Squanto and the Catholic Founders of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving only happened with the help of some Spanish Franciscans and Squanto, a Native American they rescued from slavery and who became Catholic.
Pope Night in the American Colonies
The anti-Catholic Pope Night was the pre-Revolutionary War import of the British Guy Fawkes revelries on November 5, until George Washington stopped it.
Lt. Col. John Fitzgerald, Aide de Camp to George Washington
John Fitzgerald was an aide-de-camp to George Washington who helped him avoid a coup and helped build Virginia’s first Catholic church.
Kentucky Catholics and Bourbon
Catholic families from Maryland moved to the Kentucky frontier where they established the Church and helped make Bourbon a thing.
Commodore John Barry, Father of the US Navy
Commodore John Barry was an Irish immigrant who became known as the Father of the US Navy, its first commissioned officer, and first flag officer.
Margaret Brent, Savior of Maryland
Margaret Brent was among the wealthiest colonists of her day, and she may have singlehandedly saved the Catholic colony of Maryland in the 17th century.
Ben Franklin Picks John Carroll for First Bishop of Baltimore
Ben Franklin helped choose Jesuit Father John Carroll to be the first bishop of Baltimore after their friendship began on a diplomatic trip to Canada.