September 12: The Americanist Bishop?

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is September 12th, and our story is The Americanist Bishop? In October 1896, rumors about the Catholic University of America's rector, Bishop John J. Keene, filled the pages of America's newspapers. Or, more accurately, rumors about Catholic University's former rector filled those pages.

That month, news broke that Pope Leo XIII had requested Keene's resignation and called him to Rome. There, the Pope planned for him to reside at the Basilica of St. John Lateran and serve as a consultant for the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith. The press knew nothing more. The press speculated, however, that Keene's summons to Rome had more to do with his progressive views than it did with any. There is a pressing need at the Vatican for another consultant. Born on September 12, 1839, Keene spent 12 years as a priest in Washington, D.C., and nine as Bishop of Richmond before becoming the first rector of the Catholic University of America in 1887.

A master fundraiser and skilled administrator, his tenure there should have been secure. Many of Keene's fellow bishops, though, frowned upon his support of the Knights of Labor and his participation in the controversial World's Parliament of Religions of 1893.

Likewise, rightly or wrongly, many associated Keene with the heresy of Americanism, wanting to update the Church to bring it more in line with American ideals. Given all that, it took no great stretch of the imagination for the press to suspect that the summons to Rome was more punishment than reward.

Their suspicions were likely correct, but by 1899, the Vatican had enough confidence in Keene to retask him with fundraising for the Catholic University. Only a year later, it named him Archbishop of Dubuque. Once installed, Keene focused his energies on promoting temperance and Catholic education.

During his tenure in Iowa, he established 12 academies for girls and two for boys. He also doubled the faculty and buildings of present-day Loris College. Archbishop Keene resigned his see in 1911 due to ill health. He died in Dubuque seven years later. To this day, his association with the Americanist heresy clouds his legacy.

Bishop Keen's story challenges us to consider how we can remain faithful while responding creatively and responsibly to the needs of our time. Reflect on an aspect of your faith or work where a thoughtful change could better serve others. Consider implementing one small, faithful adjustment this week.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, September 13th, for another story of faith and courage in America.