“We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgement decreed, assist with They Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.” – John Carroll, 1791
John Carroll was the third son of Irishman Daniel Carroll and Eleanor Darnall. He grew and began a long study in philosophy and theology in Liége, which is now the capital of a province with the same name in Belgium. After 14 years at Liége, in 1769, he was ordained a priest.
In 1776, he joined a committy composed of Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Chase. They travelled to Canada, seeking neutrality during the War of Independence, and although it was denied, it was considered a great honor and caused Carroll to gain interest in the New World.
In 1788, twenty four out of twenty five priests voted in favor of Carroll stepping up to become bishop. The Pope, Pius the VI, appointed him in accordance to their votes. He became archbishop in 1808, thus becoming the first archbishop appointed in the States. As one of such high standing within the Roman Catholic church, he was asked to lay down the cornerstone of the Washington Monument in Baltimore, but he had to decline, due to issues of health. His health continued failing him, until November 22nd, when he breathed his last. After the funeral procession and burial, a number of Baltimore papers wrote articles in memory of him, and many other men were able to articulate how Carroll touched their lives, inspired them, and impressed upon them the importance of the life of such a great, influential man. The men who spoke so highly of him, one being Reverend Doctor C.I. White, did not only focus on his life, however. They also made it very clear that the gates of Heaven opened to him on the day of his departure.
“In him religion assumed its most attractive and amiable form, and his character conciliated for the body over which he presided, respect and consideration from the liberal, the enlightened of all ranks and denominations; for they saw that his life accorded with the benign doctrines of that religion which he professed. In controversy he was temperate yet compelling, considerate yet uncompromising.” – A Baltimore paper, on his funeral.
