Catholic High School of Baltimore - Troubadour Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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jJ-fou±d oj iPzacz ant J-fnafjzn d ats . . . dJlzz dhuiafi Dear to the hearts of Catholic High girls, and a venerable landmark, is the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mar —the Baltimore Cathedral. It is the Mother Church of all Catholic Churches in the United States, and the first to have an archbishop as its original rector. This edifice, ordered erected by Pope Pius VI in 1789, was for many years the administrative center of Catholicism in the United States. Its construction was begun by John Carroll, the first Bishop of the United States, but he did not live to see its completion. Its dedication came six years after his death. After the design was decided upon, construction began in 1806, and on July 7 of that year the cornerstone was laid by Bishop Carroll. But the War of 1812 cast its somber shadow upon the next few years, and the building was interrupted, for the workers had rallied to the defense of their nation. When the olive branch had once again superseded Mars, the work was resumed, and it was completed in 1821. The dedication by Archbishop Ambrose Marechal on May 21, 1821—exactly 125 years ago— was one of the most ritualistic the city had ever witnessed. At that time it was the largest church in this country. The architect was the distinguished Benjamin Harry Latrove, a Protestant gentleman who offered his services gratis. He was also the designer of the Capitol at Washington. The site for this imposing gem of architecture was sold by Colonel John F.ager Howard, for $20,000. The style of architecture is predominantly Roman, but the Byzantine feeling is captured in the design of the centra! dome. The high altar is a gift to Archbishop Marechal from the priests of Marseilles who were once his students; the large bell came from Marseilles; the unique clock was imported from the Land of the Fleur-de-lis in 1868. 6

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0 0 0 v • Z7o (Out J acLj, Quzzn (Ly 1p£cicz . . . Who can teach others how to build for peace because her home at Nazareth was most peaceful, we dedicate the Trouba- dour of 1946. With Christ as the cornerstone, and Mary as the foundation, our House of Peace will have no dark corners where hatred and war may breed. Under Mary’s guidance, those Catholic principles which tell us infallibly our duties towards God, our neighbors and ourselves will lead us finally to the throne of Him Who said Blessed are the Peace- makers for they shall be called the children of God.” THE TROUBADOUR STAFF 5

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The crypt in this famous church houses the mortal remains of six great Archbishops and one Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. They are John Carroll, Ambrose Marechal, James Whitefield, Samuel Ecclcston, Francis Kenrick, Martin Spalding and James Gibbons. Within its walls have been held three plenary councils, ten provincial councils, and nine diocesan synods. Three cardinals have there been invested. MIRIAM LORENZ, 46 The year 1946 marks the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived without sin as patroness of the United States. The Sixth Provincial Council, held in Baltimore May 10, 1946, solemnly declared that ourselves and all entrusted to our charge throughout the United States arc placed under the special patronage of the Holy Mother of God.” This declaration—which issued from the Council at which one archbishop, Samuel Ecclcston, and 22 bishops were present—is the document which Rev. John J. Duggan, of the Cathedral, is holding. Looking at the document are: Miriam Lorenz, prefect of the Sodality, Lorraine Kernan, Mary Selway, Shirley Unkclbach, and Marie Amrhein. The benign face that looks down upon this little group is that of Arch- bishop Ecclcston. He was a native of Maryland, and a convert to the Faith. As the fifth Archbishop of Baltimore, he contributed largely of his own means toward the building of the Cathedral. He was a Sulpician, and was 33 years of age when he succeeded to the See of Baltimore.