Contents
I Introduction
1 Philadelphia, 1911: At ten minutes past four, Saturday afternoon February 11, the bells of the city churches began to echo the tolling of the cathedral bell; death had come to the Archbishop
2 Profile: The power of personality and wit
II Ireland, 1831–1852: The ideal preparation
3 Tipperary: Family background, education
4 Famine, 1845–1849: The Thurles experience as a teenager
5 Society, politics, religion: The ideal preparation for the life he chose to lead
III St. Louis, 1852–1884: From deacon to archbishop at a time of rapid growth and sweeping change
6 The Roman Catholic Church in America: Small beginnings, prejudice and progress
7 St. Louis: City, state, diocese
8 Pastoral experience: Reputation as administrator and orator at home and abroad
9 Civil War in St. Louis: Divided loyalties; experience as a prison chaplain
10 Bishop despite the controversy: The doctrine of papal infallibility and other influences on his promotion
IV Philadelphia, 1884–1911: Leadership locally and nationally
11 Philadelphia: The centre of a thriving industrial area
12 The Archdiocese: Growth and diversity
13 Dissension: Bishops disagree on major issues
14 Reaching out: Spreading the message; challenging prejudices
15 Preacher, orator and pamphleteer: To be a good Catholic is to be a good citizen
16 African Americans and Native Americans: Support for Saint Katharine Drexel and influence on American hierarchy; appointment by President Roosevelt to the Board of Indian Commissioners
17 Connections with Ireland: Irish Parliamentary Party; Parnell and Home Rule; visits to Ireland
18 Active to the end: Slowing down and the appointment of a coadjutor
Epilogue: His legacy; contemporary views
Appendix A