Pope Comes To Washington: Catholicism Roots Run Deep In Maryland
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The upcoming arrival of Pope Francis is his first visit to the United States, but the Catholic church landed in Maryland centuries ago, bringing much history to our city and state.
WJZ's Marcus Washington takes a look back at the history of Catholicism and Maryland.
His anticipated arrival is bringing much excitement, but when it comes to the Catholic church, it's history here in Maryland is no stranger, dating back to 17th century.
"The first catholic mass was celebrated on St. Clement's Island, down in southern Maryland. This was in 1634," said Connie Yingling, Maryland Office of Tourism.
Maryland was founded as a colony on religious freedom, fostering the first archbishop of the United States.
Baltimore is home to the first basilica in the U.S. and let's not forget the first catholic seminary in 1791, founded here in Baltimore by the order of Sulpician's from France.
"The Sulpician's are specifically, their vocation, their mission is life, is the formation of priests," said Vito Piazza, St. Mary's Spiritual Center & Historic Site.
And women in Maryland also made history in the Catholic church.
Mother Mary Lange started the first religious order for women of African decent in Baltimore, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton is the first born saint.
Piazza says they are celebrating the 40th anniversary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton's canonization, which took place in Rome in 1975.
With so much history in the state and right here in Baltimore, some ask, why isn't to Pope making a stop in Charm City?
"We'd love to have him come here, but he's a little bit busy; so we understand that," said Piazza.
The Maryland Office of Tourism does have a religious freedom guided tour, for more information CLICK HERE.
