How Catholic Education Helped Build America (The Drew Mariani Show)

Catholic education has shaped the United States in remarkable ways, even if many people overlook its impact. On The Drew Mariani Show, Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary, reflected on how Catholic schools helped form both faithful Catholics and a stronger nation. Following the adoption of the Constitution, Catholic immigrants responded to the new challenges of the day by building. Inspired by the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore, parishes across the country established schools to educate the children of this new nation. Many communities built the school before the church itself. By the mid-20th century, nearly 13,000 Catholic schools served more than five million students. Religious sisters, brothers, priests, and dedicated lay teachers formed generations of Americans whose influence reached every corner of society. Although Catholic education experienced a period of decline beginning in the 1960s, Monsignor Shea sees new signs of hope. Classical Catholic education is expanding, and we are witnessing the revitalization of many parish schools. Many schools that were struggling are thriving again through renewed commitment to their Catholic mission. At the University of Mary, that mission is reflected in an education that prepares students for more than a career. While offering nationally respected programs in nursing, engineering, business, education, and the health professions, the university remains focused on forming the whole person. As Monsignor Shea explained, Catholic education should prepare students as well as ask the deeper question: What kind of person is God calling this student to become? That vision continues to make Catholic education one of the Church's greatest gifts to our country, and an enduring source of hope for the future. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.