One thing I like to do is highlight United States Catholic history on this blog. I think that is important. It is rarely taught in schools or even mentioned. That is quite a shame. Also there is a peculiar tiny subset of the Catholic community that deems the whole American experiment foreign to Catholicism. That is America is based on Calvinist ideas and Catholics should not feel a part of it. Well that is balderdash.
Today in my rush to get my Louisiana Catholic update out , I missed a few posts that were at Astonished, Yet at Home! blog. I shall post them tomorrow in the tomorrow's roundup. However there is one post I wanted to highlight tonight for a couple of reasons. That is his post Remember, Remember the Fifth of November! . It is about Guy Fawkes Day and has a link to an article in Harpers magazine. Now the article is a tad over the top as to President Bush.
However his part on the history of the day is important. As the author points out Guy Fawkes day used to be an very anti Catholic day in England. It is not like that anymore. However in the colonies(now the US) and especially in parts of New England this song was indeed sung.
When this country was battling for its Independence George Washington took note of this Holiday. What was his reaction? Here it is:
As the Commander in Chief has been apprized of a design form’d for the observance of that ridiculous and childish custom of burning the Effigy of the pope–He cannot help expressing his surprise that there should be Officers and Soldiers in this army so void of common sense, as not to see the impropriety of such a step at this Juncture; at a Time when we are solliciting, and have really obtain’d, the friendship and alliance of the people of Canada, whom we ought to consider as Brethren embarked in the same Cause. The defence of the general Liberty of America: At such a juncture, and in such Circumstances, to be insulting their Religion, is so monstrous, as not to be suffered or excused; indeed instead of offering the most remote insult, it is our duty to address public thanks to these our Brethren, as to them we are so much indebted for every late happy Success over the common Enemy in Canada.
George Washington was beloved by early American Catholics. His early actions helped to make sure that Catholics played an active role in the history of this great land. Something we should remember also on Guy Fawkes day.
1 comment:
Guy Fawkes day was certainly a black eye day for Catholics in the English speaking world. It was an attempt by Catholic conspiritors to bloww up the Parliament of England while King James was there. By killing off the whole government in one giant explosion, they hoped to bring England back under Catholic rulers.
oThe plot was undone at the last minute and the government was saved.
Washington was wise to put an end to the celebration of this day. It was very anti-Catholic and celebrated the worst examples of both protestant and Cathlic bigotry.
Coram Deo,
Kenith
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