THE CATHOLIC GROWTH - 1887

CATHOLIC

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 4/30/2017 at 13:51:36

The Clinton Age, Clinton, Iowa, March 4, 1887

THE CATHOLIC GROWTH

The growth of the Catholic Church has proportionally outstripped that of the republic. In a period of 107 years the United States has increased from thirteen states to thirty-eight states and ten territories; while the Catholic Church in fourteen years less time has increased from one bishopric to sixty-two bishoprics and nine vicariates apostolic. The population of the country has increased from 2,803,000 to 58,240,000, according to the treasury statement for the fiscal year ending June, 1886, while the Catholic population has increased from 25,000 to about 10,000,000-an increase resulting from foreign immigration, the natural growth of the native population, and conversions from the Protestant sects. The clergy have been increased from 21 priests in 1790 to over 7,800 today. - Exchange