March 28: The Bavarian Saint

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is March 28th, and our story is The Bavarian Saint. In 1835, John Newman wanted to become a priest. The 24-year-old seminarian had recently completed his studies in theology and had a reputation as a good and pious man. But, as his bishop explained to him, Bavaria was full up with priests that year, and didn't need any more.

So, Newman booked passage to America, where priests were in short supply. He arrived in 1836, and Bishop John Dubois of New York ordained him soon after. For the next four years, Father Newman ministered to German immigrants in the Niagara Falls area. Then, in 1840, with the permission of his bishop, he joined the Redemptorist Fathers in Pittsburgh. He made his final vows with the community in 1842, and five years later became the Order's Superior in the United States. The following year, he became an American citizen.

Newman continued his work as a priest in Pittsburgh and the Ohio Valley until 1852, when Rome named him Bishop of Philadelphia. Newman was less than pleased with the appointment and begged the Vatican to pass him over. The Vatican did not comply, and on his 41st birthday, March 28, 1852, Newman was consecrated as Philadelphia's fourth bishop. Unpopular with the city's wealthy Irish Catholics and plagued by the anti-Catholic Know-Nothing Party, Newman nevertheless went about his job undaunted.

In his eight years in Philadelphia, he set up the first diocesan-administered system of parochial schools in the United States, founded one religious order of women, the Sisters of St. Francis, brought in another order from Germany, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and pioneered the practice of the 40-hours devotion in the States.

In 1860, the 48-year-old Newman suffered a stroke while running errands and died in the streets of Philadelphia. In 1977, 117 years after his death, he was canonized by Pope Paul VI. Newman's life shows how dedication, humility, and strategic vision can expand the church's influence and strengthen communities. Serving the immigrant population, he prioritized education and devotion, leaving a legacy of faith and service that endures. Consider a way you can contribute to education or spiritual formation in your community this week.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, March 29th, for another story of faith and courage in America.