July 6: Chaos in Philadelphia

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is July 6th, and our story is Chaos in Philadelphia. The nativists were at it again. On July 3, 1844, Father John Dunn, pastor of St. Philip Nary Church in Philadelphia, learned that the anti-Catholic group planned to go on parade and burn his church to the ground. Only two months before, the same crowd had torched multiple Catholic churches and homes as well as a school and convent.

During the riots, Catholic Philadelphia followed Bishop Francis Kendrick's orders to avoid conflict and let the buildings burn. But this time, regardless of what the bishop wanted, Dunn was determined to protect his church. To that end, the priests sought permission from the governor to stockpile weapons in the parish.

Dunn assured the governor that he would use them only if the nativists attacked. He received permission and the weapons. A few of the muskets were faulty, though, so Dunn returned those and requested replacements. Trouble started when the replacements arrived.

On July 5th, a few nativists saw the muskets delivered. They spread the word that Catholics were arming themselves, and soon thousands of nativists stood outside St. Philip's demanding that the sheriff seize the weapons. Hoping to calm the crowd, the sheriff reclaimed a few muskets and asked everyone to disperse.

Instead, the mob demanded a second search, this time with their men. Seventeen nativists forced their way into the church. There, they found the stockpile of weapons and gunpowder. Knowing the chaos such a discovery would unleash, the sheriff refused to let the search party leave the church, and ordered the crowd to disperse.

Tensions only escalated. By the evening of July 6, 1844, three cannons and a large group of city guards had arrived outside St. Philip's. The next day, the guards started firing those cannons. Soon after, the nativists had cannons of their own and fired them at the church. Chaos reigned yet again.

That reign continued until July 9th. By that point, at least 15 people were dead and 50 injured. This time, however, the city's churches still stood. Father Dunn's vigilance demonstrates that faithfulness may require both moral discernment and practical action.

Courage is not reckless bravado, but careful, principled defense of the vulnerable. His story challenges us to protect what is sacred, our communities, values, and beliefs, without yielding to fear, prejudice, or violence, embodying a balance of faith, wisdom, and resolute action in times of crisis. Consider a value or community in need of protection and take a prudent, positive step to safeguard it this week.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, July 7th, for another story of faith and courage in America.