Speech #710026531

Probably the best study of the Irish citizenship of the United States made up to the present time was made by Rev. Gerald Shaughnessy. who was formerly professor of theology in the Marist College here in Washington. He wrote a book called "Has the Immigrant Kept Faith? A Study of Immigration and Catholic Growth in the United States. 17901920." This book was published in 1925 under the sanction of the Archbishop of Baltimore. It is studious. thoughtful. and well worth reading. Doctor Shaughnessy estimates that about 35.000 persons in the population of 1790 were members of the Catholic Church. He goes on to estimate the number of Irish. and says: In sad contrast with the latter figures stands the estimated number of Catholics actually present in the United States at the end of the War of Independence. 35.000 or about onefourth the number of Irish Catholics alone who should have been enumerated at the time. If the Irish element among the American Catholics of that day be estimated at 25.000. there appears to have been a loss to the church of 125.000 among the Irish Immigrants to this country previous to 1790. He also says: Accordingly. In view of the facts adduced In the first chapter.