John England, B.a

(1786 - 1842) England was the first Roman Catholic bishop of Charleston, South Carolina, and founder of one of the earliest Catholic newspapers in the United States. A striking phase of Bishop England's apostolic character was manifested in his spiritual care of the negroes. He celebrated an early Mass in the cathedral for them every Sunday and preached to them at this Mass and at a Vesper service. He was accustomed to deliver two afternoon sermons; if unable to deliver both, he would...See more

(1786 - 1842) England was the first Roman Catholic bishop of Charleston, South Carolina, and founder of one of the earliest Catholic newspapers in the United States. A striking phase of Bishop England's apostolic character was manifested in his spiritual care of the negroes. He celebrated an early Mass in the cathedral for them every Sunday and preached to them at this Mass and at a Vesper service. He was accustomed to deliver two afternoon sermons; if unable to deliver both, he would disappoint the rich and cultured who flocked to hear him, and preach to the poor illiterate Africans. See less