Onahan, William J., Chicago, Illinois, to The Catholic Laity of the U. S., the Call, 1889 July 31

On the occasion of the Centennial anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic hierarchy of the United States, there is proposed also, a Catholic Congress. It is a good opportunity to show the unity and loyalty of American Catholics in a gathering without reference to national or local lines. The project of the Congress has the sanction of Cardinal Gibbons and and other leading men of the Church. Preliminaries have been agreed on. The Congress will meet on Nov. 11 and 12. Capable writers will be prepared to read papers on leading topics. Then general discussion will be invited. The titles of the papers will be announced before hand. The Congress is designed to be free to all Catholics, but membership limitations will hold attendance to leading Catholics, who will secure cards from the bishops of their dioceses. Those desiring to attend will make the necessary applications for introduction. Coincidentally, with the Centennial Celebration and the Congress, will occur the formal opening of the Catholic University of the United States at Washington, D. C. The American Catholics recently have shared in the celebration of the Centennial of the establishment of the government. With the same spirit, they are called upon to join in celebrating this other anniversary, and show the unity of their religious faith. List of names of laymen in charge by cities follows. One typed copy, 7 printed copies—2 copies have a printed notation on the back: