Catholic Utah
Catholic Utah by Colleen McDannell, published by Arcadia Publishing in 2023, offers a detailed exploration of the Catholic Church’s history in Utah. This 128-page book delves into the early encounters of Mexican Franciscans in 1776 and traces the establishment of the first parish church, St. Mary Magdalene, in 1871. It highlights the efforts of a small Catholic community to thrive in a region predominantly influenced by the Latter-day Saints, focusing on their initiatives in building churches, schools, and hospitals.
Readers will find an in-depth account of the leadership of Fr. Lawrence Scanlan, who played a pivotal role in nurturing a diverse congregation of Irish, Italian, Slovak, and Mexican Catholics involved in the mining industry. The narrative also addresses the expansion of Utah’s population after World War II and the increasing importance of Catholic educational and medical institutions in meeting the state’s growing needs. This edition presents a comprehensive look at the intersection of religion and community development in Utah’s history.
Official synopsis Publisher
In 1776, two Mexican Franciscans trekked into what is now the state of Utah. While they said the rosary and offered litanies to the saints, they did not linger in what was to them unknown territory. It would take almost 100 years for the first parish church of St. Mary Magdalene to be built in 1871 and a Catholic community established. The small number of Catholics maintained and cultivated their religion in a territory dominated by the Latter-day Saints by building churches, starting schools, and maintaining hospitals. Key to their success was the leadership of Fr. Lawrence Scanlan, who served for 42 years, first as pastor and then as bishop. Scanlan ministered to a multiethnic array of Irish, Italian, Slovak, and Mexican Catholics who came to work in and support the dangerous (but lucrative) mining industry. Utah’s population expanded after World War II, and Catholic educational and medical institutions increasingly cared for the growing needs of the state.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Catholic Utah” about?
Who is the author of “Catholic Utah”?
When was “Catholic Utah” published?
What is the ISBN for “Catholic Utah”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
