United States, Catholic Church, Cardinals, Church history -- twentieth century, Catholic Church in the U.S.A 

In 1875 Pius IX selected the first American cardinal, John Cardinal McCloskey of New York. Since then an additional sixteen cardinals have been appointed in the United States.

Some have been scholars, others administrators; some theologians, others men of practical affairs - but always America has been enriched by these outstanding men.

American cardinals have devoted themselves to their Church and their country in the spirit of the remarkable Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore who once said, "It is not the cardinal who ennobles a man, but the man who ennobles the cardinal."

They have dedicated their lives to all mankind, serving not only here in the United States but in such faraway places as the Philippines, India, Japan and Germany.

Here are the great American statesmen of the Catholic Church, here are their words, deeds and inspiring achievements (see back of jacket for a complete list of American cardinals). The drama of the Catholic Church in the United States is symbolized in the lives of these eminent men.

The Author

Francis Beauchesne Thornton is well known as a priest, teacher, author and book reviewer. He entered the priesthood in 1928, taught English at Notre Dame and Duquesne, and since 1940 has been associated with the Catholic Digest, first as a book editor and more recently as editor of the Catholic Digest Book Club. Father Thornton is the author of many books, including: Catholic Shrines in the United States and Canada, Sea of Glory, biographies of Pius IX and St. Pius X, and This Is the Rosary.

Taken from the inside flaps.