Presidents' Day 

On Monday, February 16, 2009, reflect upon what this day means to you as a Catholic

Presidents’ Day, as many refer to it, is not really the holiday being celebrated on Monday, February 16, 2009. Many Americans falsely believe that the third Monday in February commemorates the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While many states do acknowledge the birthdays of both on that day, Congress has never declared the day as Presidents’ Day and so the third Monday in February is actually the national celebration of George Washington’s birthday.

Details aside, some of you may be rejoicing because you have the day off from work, others may be lamenting (or celebrating) the lack of mail delivery. Regardless, take a minute to think about what this day means to you as a Catholic.

George Washington, born on February 22, 1732, and many other patriots fought to found a country that would ensure freedom of religion. This allowed Catholics to worship as they chose, free of the persecution that had been faced for centuries. In addition to his work as a freedom fighter and father of the nation, Washington also proved to be closely connected to the growing Catholic community.  

While Washington became known as the founding father of the United States of America, another man, John Carroll, became known as the founding father of American Catholicism. Although Catholicism had been established in the colonies in 1639, John Carroll was the first bishop appointed to the United States. In 1808, he became the first United States archbishop when he was named Archbishop of Baltimore. Besides providing strong leadership for Catholics, he was also well respected by many political leaders of the day such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. He is also credited with helping those two great men establish freedom and democracy for America.

As preparations were made for Washington’s inauguration, Bishop Carroll led the charge to welcome him to office with a letter of congratulation entitled “An Address from the Roman Catholics of America to George Washington.”

On March 12, 1790, Washington cordially replied in an address titled “To Roman Catholics of the United States.”  

Gentlemen:

While I now receive with much satisfaction your congratulations on my being called, by a unanimous vote, to the first station in my country …

As mankind becomes more liberal they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality. And I presume that your fellow-citizens will not forget the patriotic part which you took in the accomplishment of their Revolution, and the establishment of their government; or the important assistance which they received from a nation in which the Roman Catholic faith is professed. …

G. Washington

With the high esteem of so many public leaders of his day, Carroll was able to begin the practice of providing public prayer for governmental officials. Carroll’s respected status also helped Catholics gain acceptance in the United States. In 1791, Carroll penned a prayer for national leaders which is believed to have been used at each opening of Congress.

Although it was known that Washington held Carroll in high regard, it was not until Washington’s death that the true closeness between the two was known. It was Carroll who was chosen to deliver a tribute to his friend and fellow patriot at his memorial service. Today the speech Carroll gave back in 1780 is considered one of the best written pieces about the first president of our nation.

On February 16, during a day of national celebration, reflect upon what life would be like for Catholics in the United States today if men like Washington and Carroll had not forged the way. 

Article by Gillian Lester-George
Cover picture (George Washingon) illustrated by Manuel D. Montesinos