Onahan, William J., Chicago, Illinois, to Catholics of the United States, 1889

On the occasion of the Centennial Anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic Hierarchy of the United States. There is also proposed a gathering of Catholic laymen in a Catholic Congress, to be held also in Baltimore in November, to bring together a Catholic body where the important subjects and questions of interest may be discussed. The project of the Congress has the sanction of Cardinal Gibbons and leading men of the Church. The preliminaries have been agreed upon, and the Congress will meet on Nov. 11 and 12. Capable writers will be prepared with papers on leading topics. Then, general discussion will be invited. The Congress is designed to be free and open to all Catholics. However, membership limitations will limit attendance to leading Catholics, chosen by bishops of their respective diocese. The bishops will bestow upon the representatives cards of admission. Catholics desiring to attend will make applications accordingly for this necessary introduction. Arrangements have been contemplated with railways for reduced rates. Coincidentally, with the Centennial Celebration and the Congress, will occur the formal opening of the Catholic University of the United States at Washington. The example of the Catholic Congresses of Europe should stir American Catholics into an exhibition of zeal and activity for Catholic public interest. :: IX-1-a A.D. unsigned 4pp. 8vo. 10