About This Issue

"Priests, Prelates, and Pastoral Ministry among Ethnic Mexicans: San Antonio, 1840-1940," by Timothy Matovina (University of Notre Dame), explores the work of Claretian, diocesan, and Vincentian priests serving the Mexican congregation at San Antonio's San Fernando parish from 1840 until 1940. Dr. Matovina notes that "An exploration of their ministries illustrates the historical breadth of what today is called Hispanic ministry, as well as the mutual influence of clergy and ethnic Mexican laity on efforts to foster Catholic faith and religious traditions."

Sarah K. Nytroe (De Sales University) in "An American Catholic Culture of Death and Dying, 1900-1955," contrasts the traditional views of death held by the Catholic Church with those that were emerging in the United States during the first half of the twentieth century. An examination of the literature, she explains, demonstrates that Catholics were continually reminded of the dangers of embracing this modern view of death and dying, and the necessity of adhering to Catholic teaching on the subject.

"United Yet Divided: An Analysis of Bishops Martin John Spalding and John Baptist Purcell during the Civil War Era," by Carl C. Cresson, uses the letters of both prelates, along with journals and diocesan publications, to explore two very divergent views on slavery and the war. Despite the fact that church leaders in Rome urged U.S. priests and bishops to remain neutral, Cresson demonstrates that at least two bishops held very strong views on these subjects.

Philip J. Gleason's (University of Notre Dame, emeritus) biographical sketch of Bruno P. Schlesinger ("From Vienna to South Bend: A Refugee Professor's Story) reminds us of an area of Catholic studies that has yet to be explored in full. European scholars, such as Schlesinger, who arrived in the U.S. as refugees from war-torn Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, were often hired by Catholic colleges and universities. Professor Schlesinger's story reminds us of the contributions these academics made to the development of Catholic higher education.

The cover essay by Kristy Nabhan-Warren (University of Iowa) focues on the Cursillo movement. We think you will find the essay and accompanying photos interesting.

As always, we welcome the comments and suggestions of our readers, and thank you for your support.