American Catholic History

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American Catholic History, hosted by Tom and Noelle Crowe, finds the hidden gems and compelling stories of Catholic Americans who have contributed to their nation by virtue of their faith over the past three centuries.

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    • Jun 28, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 16m AVG DURATION
    • 184 EPISODES

    4.9 from 421 ratings Listeners of American Catholic History that love the show mention: ach, catholics and non catholics, heritage, saints, leo, delivered, proud, treat, church, god bless, concise, short, jesus, true, well done, great job, stories, interesting, every week, enjoyed.


    Ivy Insights

    The American Catholic History podcast is a truly incredible show that delves into the rich and often overlooked history of Catholics in America. Hosted by Tom and Noelle Crowe, this podcast explores the lives of inspiring individuals from various walks of life, including priests, actors, coaches, and more. Through their storytelling abilities, the Crowes bring these historical figures to life and shed light on their contributions to American Catholicism. From learning about the origin of the Brute Award to discovering untold stories of American Catholic history, this podcast offers a captivating listening experience.

    One of the best aspects of The American Catholic History podcast is its ability to educate and inspire listeners. The episodes are meticulously researched and cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Whether it's an episode on Mark Twain or a deep dive into Maryland's Catholic history, each episode leaves you with a sense of awe and appreciation for the role Catholics played in shaping America. Additionally, the hosts' enthusiasm for their subject matter is contagious and makes for an engaging listening experience.

    While there aren't many negative aspects to this podcast, some listeners may find that certain episodes don't align with their personal interests. However, given the diverse range of topics covered in each episode, it's likely that there will still be plenty for everyone to enjoy. Another minor drawback is that episodes can occasionally be on the shorter side; however, this allows for easy consumption during commutes or quick listens throughout the day.

    In conclusion, The American Catholic History podcast is an excellent show that brings to light the often overlooked contributions of Catholics in America. With its educational content and captivating storytelling style, it's a must-listen for anyone interested in both American history and Catholicism. By shedding light on inspiring individuals and significant events throughout history, Tom and Noelle Crowe have created an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of American Catholic heritage.



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    Latest episodes from American Catholic History

    A Special Message from StarQuest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 3:30


    StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest's shows. The post A Special Message from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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    A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 2:38


    StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give The post A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    The Apparition of The Lady in Blue

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 17:18


    In the 1620s, a native American community in what would become Texas were evangelized by a mysterious lady in blue. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell the story of how a Spanish nun, Mary of Agreda, miraculously visited the Jumanos without leaving her Spanish monastery 5,000 miles away. The post The Apparition of The Lady in Blue appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    American Catholic Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2023 19:45


    Catholics have had a tremendous impact on American food from the beginning. Tom and Noëlle Crowe explore a handful of these contributions, from wine and cheese at the California missions to Cajun and creole food in Louisiana to the Filet-o-Fish in McDonalds to muskrat dinners in the midwest and more The post American Catholic Food appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Maronite Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 16:42


    The Maronite Shine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Ohio is a place of pilgrimage for Maronite Catholics throughout the US. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us the history of the shrine and of Maronites in the US, including the near-miraculous acquisition of the land on which is is built. The post Maronite Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Old St. Mary, Pine Bluff, Arkansas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 23:19


    St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, originally built on a barge in 1782, is the oldest church in the state. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us that despite its small congregation, it has historical significance and ties to international and church politics. The church has faced challenges throughout the years but has persevered and is still standing in Plum Bayou. St. Mary's Church is a symbol of perseverance and houses the grave of a potential saint. The post Old St. Mary, Pine Bluff, Arkansas appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Mother Catherine Spalding

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 24:52


    Mother Catherine Spalding helped found the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kentucky in 1813. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how she spent 45 years leading and building the order and was responsible for dozens of schools, orphanages, infirmaries, and homes for the poor, leading her to be named one of the most influential women in Kentucky history. The post Mother Catherine Spalding appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Bob Newhart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 20:29


    Bob Newhart is one of the most influential and beloved comedians of the last 60 years, who set records with his comedy albums and TV shows. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how Newhart attributes both his 60-year marriage and successful career, in part, to his Catholic faith. The post Bob Newhart appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Andy Warhol

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 21:39


    Andy Warhol is one of the most recognizable 20th century artists who was also known for his hedonist lifestyle. Tom and Noëlle Crowe discuss how he was also a Catholic who prayed and attended church regularly. How can we reconcile this contradiction to understand the real Warhol? The post Andy Warhol appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Fr. Joseph O'Callahan, SJ, Savior of the Franklin

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 18:27


    When the USS Franklin was bombed on March 19, 1945, Fr. Joseph O'Callahan, the chaplain aboard, sprang into action. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us that not only did he administer sacraments, but he also led damage control actions that helped save the ship, leading to his being awarded the Medal of Honor. The post Fr. Joseph O'Callahan, SJ, Savior of the Franklin appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Catholics Fight Segregation in Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 17:18


    In 1916, three brave Sisters of St. Joseph were arrested for teaching black children. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how, with Bishop Michael Curley of St. Augustine by their side, they fought the law and won! Discover their inspiring battle against segregation in Florida. The post Catholics Fight Segregation in Florida appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Joseph Warren Revere

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 20:44


    Joseph Warren Revere, grandson of Paul Revere, lived a life of military adventure, raised the American flag in California, and helped found the US Naval Academy. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how he converted to Catholicism during the Civil War and was devout the rest of his days. The post Joseph Warren Revere appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Joseph Barbera

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 20:36


    Joseph Barbera was one half of the powerhouse animation duo of Hanna-Barbera. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how Joseph's Catholic schooldays got him started in cartooning and how his crowning achievement was a return to his Catholic roots. The post Joseph Barbera appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Samuel Sutherland Cooper

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 24:17


    The Forrest Gump of early 19th-century US Catholics? Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about this priest who seemed to know every important US Catholic of his time and yet is almost unheard of. So why was Fr. Samuel Cooper so important? The post Samuel Sutherland Cooper appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Mother Mary Lange, OSP

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 15:47


    Mother Mary Lange founded the first religious order of black women in the US. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this woman of faith lived a life of service and patience, dedicated to spreading the Gospel, which may lead to her canonization. The post Mother Mary Lange, OSP appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Fr. Henry Duranquet, SJ, Apostle to the Tombs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 19:03


    Fr. Henry Duranquet, SJ, was called Apostle of the Tombs because of his decades ministering to convicts in New York's prisons, including the prison known as “The Tombs.” Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how his patient Christlike work won over thousands of souls for Christ, including the most notorious killers. The post Fr. Henry Duranquet, SJ, Apostle to the Tombs appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Buffalo Bill Cody

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 22:39


    Buffalo Bill Cody was a hard-living cowboy and one of the most famous people of his day, spreading the legend of the “Wild West" around the world, even meeting the Pope. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how in the end Bill found Christ and His Church. The post Buffalo Bill Cody appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    2022 Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 43:21


    As 2022 ends, Tom and Noëlle Crowe change things up to review the year's episodes, talk about what astounded them, discuss some of their Conversations, reveal what's been going on in their lives, and chat about what they have in mind for the future of the show. The post 2022 Year in Review appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 9:25


    The oldest shrine in the US dedicated to the Blessed Mother is St. Augustine's Our Lady of La Leche shrine. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this devotion to the physical aspects of Mary's motherhood of Jesus came to be in Florida and the unusual honor it has received from Pope Francis. The post National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 26:49


    Bishop Benedict Flaget may be the most important bishop in the US' early history who isn't named Carroll. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about his humble decades of service as both a priest and a bishop on the wild frontiers of the US and why he should have a cause for canonization opened. The post Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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    Bloody Monday in Louisville

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 14:52


    Louisville, Kentucky, 1855. Election day turned into a violent massacre as Know Nothings attacked Catholics to prevent them from voting. Tom and Noëlle Crowe give us the background on the fear and hatred that led to death and destruction on the Ohio River and the aftermath. The post Bloody Monday in Louisville appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Edgar Allan Poe and the Blessed Mother

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2022 18:03


    Edgar Allan Poe, the master of the macabre, was not Catholic, but much of his writing was filled with Catholic sensibilities, and even explicitly Catholic theology. Tom and Noëlle Crowe discuss Poe's mysterious links to Catholicism, including his late in life Jesuit friendships. The post Edgar Allan Poe and the Blessed Mother appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Father Mulcahy, MASH

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2022 17:37


    Father Mulcahy was one of the most important priests ever on network TV. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this humble fictional military chaplain on the wildly successful MASH gave an example of dedicated service and faith that touched the hearts of millions. The post Father Mulcahy, MASH appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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    St. Junipero Serra

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 22:31


    The Franciscan friar St. Junipero Serra is called the Father of California. Tom and Noëlle Crowe reveal his single-minded devotion to evangelization and missionary work and improving the lives of the native people throughout California. The post St. Junipero Serra appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Doc Holliday

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 16:28


    Doc Holliday was a real Old West character, a dentist, a gambler, and a gunslinger. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us that he was also a Catholic who converted on his deathbed, in part due to the influence of his beloved cousin, a religious sister. The post Doc Holliday appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    St. Mary of Sorrows, Clara Barton, and the Red Cross

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 17:49


    The little Catholic church of St. Mary's in Fairfax Station, Virginia, played an important role in the Civil War as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Tom and Noëlle Crowe also tell us about Red Cross founder Clara Barton's care of the soldiers there. The post St. Mary of Sorrows, Clara Barton, and the Red Cross appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Venerable Nelson Baker

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 21:34


    Ven. Nelson Baker was a Catholic priest whose radical trust in Our Lady of Victory helped him serve orphans, mothers, and children for decades. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us about the turning points in his life that led to the City of Charity in Lackawanna, New York. The post Venerable Nelson Baker appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Roman Martyrs in a Kentucky Catholic Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2022 15:32


    Why does a very old Catholic parish in Kentucky have the complete relics of two Roman martyrs? Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell the fascinating story of the relics of St. Bonosa and St. Magnus, an Italian Cistercian abbey, Pope St. Leo XIII, and St. Martin parish in Louisville. The post Roman Martyrs in a Kentucky Catholic Church appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Mark Twain and Joan of Arc

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 20:52


    Tha man who wrote Tom Sawyer would seem an unlikely author of a book about Joan of Arc. Tom and Noëlle Crowe explain how Mark Twain, this anti-Christian, even anti-Catholic, author, became not just interested in a Catholic saint's life, but an ardent fan. The post Mark Twain and Joan of Arc appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Fr. Francis Sampson, Paratrooper Padre

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 19:54


    Fr. Francis Sampson was chaplain with the 101st Airborne who jumped over France on D-Day, 1944. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us of the selfless exploits of this Catholic priest who some believe should have received the Medal of Honor for his actions. The post Fr. Francis Sampson, Paratrooper Padre appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Andre Cailloux

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 19:52


    Capt. Andre Cailloux was a black free man and a hero of the Civil War. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this Catholic family man joined the Union Army as one of its first black officers and became a hero that inspired generations with his patriotism and bravery. The post Andre Cailloux appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Maria von Trapp

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 21:01


    Maria von Trapp's life inspired the film The Sound of Music, but as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, her life was so much more exciting and inspiring and faith-filled than even Hollywood could make it. The post Maria von Trapp appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the USA

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2022 17:21


    In 1846, the bishops of the USA named the Blessed Mother under her title of Immaculate Conception as Patroness of the USA. Tom and Noëlle Crowe relate how devotion to Mary played a key role in the New World from 1492 and how that devotion led her patronage. The post Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the USA appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Sr. Ignatia and Alcoholics Anonymous

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 19:10


    AA has been a blessing in the lives in many thousands and Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how Sr. Ignatia Gavin was at the root of its founding and how her compassion led to changed attitudes and true care and treatment for those suffering from alcoholism. The post Sr. Ignatia and Alcoholics Anonymous appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Patricia Neal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 19:29


    Patricia Neal was a Hollywood star who nevertheless encountered trouble and tragedy in her life through infidelity, abortion, and illness. But as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, she eventually found faith, forgiveness, and redemption in the Catholic faith to bring peace to her life. The post Patricia Neal appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Gary Cooper

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 21:25


    Gary Cooper was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood and lived a life reflective of that status, including some moral failings. But Tom and Noëlle tell us that eventually Cooper began to live up to the heroes he portrayed in his films and even experienced a profound Catholic conversion. The post Gary Cooper appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    America's First Mass, Florida, 1513

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 16:11


    The first Mass celebrated in America may have been celebrated in Eastertide in Florida in 1513. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell the story of Ponce de Leon's expedition to the unexplored land, which first brought Catholicism to these shores centuries before independence. The post America’s First Mass, Florida, 1513 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Roger Maris

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 19:20


    While the current Major League record holder for most home runs in a season has an asterisk in the book, Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us that Roger Maris, the previous record holder, was also subjected to controversy over his record. But this quiet man of faith should not be doubted for his accomplishment. The post Roger Maris appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Jean Louis Cheverus

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 22:05


    Jean Cheverus was the first bishop of Boston and as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us he was beloved throughout his diocese, by both Catholics and Protestants alike. By the time he moved on in 1823, the Catholic community in Boston had grown in faith, numbers, and impact on city. The post Jean Louis Cheverus appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Daniel Barber

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 14:34


    Daniel Barber was a man of integrity who followed where the truth led him. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how Barber, an early 19th-century Episcopalian priest, discovered the truth of the Catholic Church, which led not just to his conversion, but to his whole family's as well. The post Daniel Barber appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Jack Kerouac

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 21:35


    Jack Kerouac is known as one of the founder of the Beat Generation and is infamous for his debauched lifestyle, but as Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us, Kerouac saw himself as a Catholic writer who after much wandering, found himself, like St. Augustine, eventually coming home to his Catholic faith. The post Jack Kerouac appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    John Boyle O'Reilly

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 22:13


    John Boyle O'Reilly was a soldier, a convict, a poet, and a journalist who left a lasting impact in the United States. Tom and Noëlle Crowe tell us how this Irishman escaped from an Australian penal colony and ended up in Boston as a champion of civil rights and editor of The Boston Pilot, the oldest continuously published Catholic newspaper in the US. The post John Boyle O’Reilly appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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