Palestrina's Sicut Cervus sung by the Seton Schola 06.28.15
The Seton Schola at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, FL. Directed by Rich Dittus. Members in this video are: Cara Jestes (Soprano), Brittney Tellis (Soprano), Veronica Scott (Alto), Yvonne Waclawczyk (Alto), Rich Dittus (Tenor), Lucas Waclawczyk (Bass).
Chapter 12 Catholicism U.S. Church History Rap
Catholicism in the U.S. Rap
Look and see – it’s not a mystery,
The U.S. has a rich history,
From absolute monarchs and the English reign,
To Catholic missionaries from England, France and Spain.
First English settlers in the New World colonies,
Didn’t like us Catholics sailing overseas,
In fact, Lord Baltimore was forced to leave Maryland,
But that’s really the beginning of our mission without end.
In 1565 the Spanish left their mark,
In St. Augustine, Florida and the Spanish arc,
Through Southwest, Texas, up the Pacific Coast,
Spain would send two heroes whom they could boast-
Eusebio Kino, travelled to Santa Fe,
Converting Pueblo Indians along the way,
Junipero Serra, with faith, not superstitions,
Founded twenty-one California missions.
The French heard the call to “Go West Young Man”,
But pioneering woman would also settle the land,
Marie of the Incarnation would nurse and teach,
While French Jesuit heroes would explore and preach.
The Mississippi was discovered by Jacques Marquette,
Saint Jean de Brebeuf would cast a similar net,
Converting Indians in Maine, New York, and Ontario,
He knew the Holy Spirit would lead the way to go!
Saint Isaac Jogues gave the Iroqouis the nod,
But they “fingered” the friendly Jesuit for a fraud,
Against all odds, he would preach and barter,
He’s honored as a great North American martyr.
These are a just a few… of course, not all,
Like Jeanne Mance who established a Montreal hospital.
Marguerite Bourgeois for French missionary fame,
Would establish the Sisters of Notre Dame,
The French would pave the way for the pioneers,
And Catholicism grew throughout the years,
When Louisiana was purchased, it was considered a prize,
As the United States doubled in size.
In the colonies, Pennsylvania was the place,
Where Catholics would get a welcome Quaker embrace,
Until the Catholics fought with the Patriots,
The Revolution seemed to end that prejudice.
Bishop John Carroll was Superior,
Catholics would no longer be inferior,
American Catholics, both rich and poor,
Would have Diocese in Baltimore.
Since there was no Catholic disparity,
The American Sisters of Charity,
Led by Saint Elizabeth Seton, would set the rules,
And provide our nation with parochial schools.
One percent grew to 4 million strong,
But still there was something very wrong,
The Know Nothing Party hated foreign born,
And once again the Catholics were torn.
Honest Abe spoke out against this clan,
And wanted equality throughout the land,
He gave them a heart-felt speech of four score,
And freedom would come at the cost of Civil War.
At the end of the 19th century,
It really seems to occur to me,
There seems to be no religious dissection,
And we can do our part if we make the connection.