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Jan 1, 1493
First Missionaries to North America
Spanish Franciscans were the first to spread mission works to North America. They sailed with Christopher Columbus when he journeyed to the New World. They started missions in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Florida, Mexico, and Texas. -
Jan 1, 1565
First Catholic Church
Saint Augustine Church started out as a Spanish settlment. It was the first Catholic settlement and church in North America, located in present day Florida. -
First North American Martyrs
Six Jesuits and 2 lay missionaries were the first North Americans to be martyred. They were all canonized in 1930. The most famous of them is Saint Isaac Jogues. They were all killed in the Great Lakes region by Native American tribes. -
First Catholic University
Georgetown College was the first Catholic University founded in the U.S. It was established by John Carroll in 1789. Georgetown College is located in Washington D.C. -
First American Bishop
John Carroll was elected bishop in 1789. He was a Jesuit priest from Maryland. This was during the time of the 13 colonies, and the U.S. was in need of a leader. The Vatican allowed 26 priests to get together and elect a bishop. Carroll's diocese was the entire U.S. though. -
First U.S. Seminary
St. Mary's, located in Baltimore, was the first U.S. seminary established. This was founded with the help of bishop John Carroll. It would help to educate more priests and expand the range of ordained brothers and sisters. -
First American Citizen Canonized Saint
Saint Frances Cabrini was canonized a saint in 1946. In 1889, she immigrated to the U.S. to spread Christianity to Italian Parishes. She founded many institutions for the poor, abandoned, and sick. -
First Catholic President
John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic to be elected president of the United States. This election was a sign of growing Catholicism in the U.S. He would use his catholic knowledge to back important government decisions. Today there are many Catholics in Congress and the Supreme Court. -
First Native Born American Saint
Elizabeth Ann Seton was canonized a saint in 1975. She was a young widow with 5 children. She founded the first U.S. Charity group, the Sisters of Charity, and the first Catholic School. There is a shrine dedicated to her in Emmitsburg, MD. -
First American Bishop to be Named a Saint
Saint John Neumann was canonized a saint in 1977. He became the bishop of Philadelphia, built 50 churches, 100 schools, and grew the population of catholic students.