January 10: The Irish Speaker

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is January 10th, and our story is The Irish Speaker. On January 10th, 1963, as John William McCormick was sworn in as the first Catholic Speaker of the House, everyone watching knew the Democratic congressman from Massachusetts had big shoes to fill. McCormack's predecessor, the legendary Sam Rayburn, had ruled the House for the better part of the last two decades, and ruled it like few others.

Throughout those decades, McCormack served alongside Rayburn as House Majority Leader and, during the rare years when Democrats lost the House, as Minority Whip. Following Rayburn's death, he was the natural successor, but skeptics feared the Irish politician was too interested in being likable to be effective. But McCormack was stronger than he looked. Nearly 60 years before, McCormack dropped out of eighth grade to help support his mother and siblings. His first job as a newsboy eventually led to a job as an errand runner for a law firm.

Intrigued by his employer's work, McCormack began studying law at night. Although he never attended high school or college, he passed the bar at the age of 21. McCormack's years of practicing law were few. After fighting in World War I, he served in the Massachusetts House, the state senate, before his election to Congress in 1928. He served there for 43 years, including nine as Speaker. Although dissent from younger Democrats drove him into retirement in 1971, McCormick's tenure was a historic one that saw the passage of landmark legislation on civil rights, education, and welfare.

McCormick's greatest love, however, wasn't politics. It was his wife, Harriet. Legend has it that the couple never spent a night apart, and even when Congress kept McCormack late, they still dined together in the Capitol. During the last year of her life, a year spent in the hospital, McCormack took up residence in the hospital room next door. He died nine years after Harriet, in 1980, at the age of 88. McCormack's life teaches us about perseverance, humility, and devotion. From a newsboy to the Speaker of the House, he demonstrated that faith, hard work, and a love for family can guide a lifetime of service.

His commitment to justice, education, and civil rights reflected the moral compass instilled by both his heritage and his Catholic values. His deep love for his wife reminds us that human connection and family are vital companions to public accomplishment. Reach out today to someone you admire and express gratitude for their guidance, support, or presence in your life.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader Podcast. Join us tomorrow, January 11th, for another story of faith and courage in America.