John Boyle O’Reilly, Irishman, poet, soldier, convict, escapee, journalist, was also a champion of civil rights for all, regardless of race or creed.
Episodes about "laity"
The Ark and The Dove
In 1634, The Ark and The Dove, two ships owned by Lord Baltimore, Cecil Calvert, arrived at St. Clement Island where settlers founded the Maryland colony
Claude McKay
Claude McKay, poet and author and a leader of the Harlem Renaissance, believed that socialism was the answer before he became Catholic.
Lilies of the Field: The Back Story
Sidney Poitier won the first Oscar by a black man for his role in Lilies of the Field. The 1963 movie was produced on a shoe string budget in 14 days.
Bernard Nathanson: Abortionist to Catholic Convert
Abortionist Bernard Nathanson co-founded NARAL and helped make abortion legal in the US. He later abandoned abortion and then became Catholic.
Lawrence Welk
Lawrence Welk was born in North Dakota, where his parents instilled a strong Catholic faith. The leader of The Lawrence Welk Show was a daily communicant.
Wizard Clip
After the death of a stranger, manifestations of demonic possession required an exorcism by Fr. Prince Gallitzin in a place known as Wizard Clip.
El Santuario de Chimayo
El Santuario de Chimayo in northern New Mexico is the largest pilgrimage site in the U.S. Many miracles are attributed to the holy dirt found on the site.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
St. Kateri Tekakwitha lost both of her parents to smallpox when she was four, and she was permanently scarred by it. She remained a virgin and became Catholic at 19.