Candlemas: Hope on the Cold, Snowy Days
Sailing in the American Revolution; Catholic Commodore John Barry
Photo by Donovan Reeves on Unsplash
In 1776 George Washington led the charge for American independence on land while a Catholic seaman, John Barry, battled on water. .
Born in Ireland in 1745, John Barry longed for the sea. As a teenager he found a job as a cabin boy and later became a first mate on brief voyages. Craving even more adventure, he said a permanent goodbye to his family and friends in Ireland and set sail for the American colonies. John settled in Pennsylvania because it was one of the few colonies in which he could practice his Catholic faith.
As he walked the streets of Philadelphia, John Barry felt the unrest of the people and understood their need for independence from British rule. He convinced members of the newly organized Continental Congress that he was a competent sailor who could join in their fight. He advanced through the military ranks and became known as Commodore John Barry. Commodore John Barry captained ships that helped to defeat the Birtish forces.
Catholic faith brought Commodore John Barry to Pennsylvania where he played a significant role in the American Revolution. John Barry’s story proved that God puts people where they are needed.
To learn more about the role of Catholics in history, science, and entertainment, read Catholicism Everywhere/ From Hail Mary Passes to Cappuccinos; How the Catholic Faith is Infused in Culture by Dr. Helen Hoffner, published by Sophia Institure Press and available at www.SophiaInstitute.com, EWTNRC.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book sellers.
About the Author
Helen Hoffner, Ed.D. is a professor at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the author of four books for Catholic audiences: The Cross: A Universal Symbol ( Marian Press, 2024), Catholicism Everywhere ( Sophia Institute Press, 2024), Catholic Traditions and Treasures ( Sophia Institute Press, 2018), and The Rosary Collector's Guide ( Schiffer Publishing, 2013). She has also written four books for teachers: The Elementary Teacher's Digital Toolbox ( Prentice Hall, 2006), Literacy Lessons K-8 ( Corwin Press, 2010), Reading and Writing Mysteries in Grades 4-8 ( Teacher Created Materials, 2006), and A Look at Realistic Fiction ( Teacher Created Materials, 2003). Dr. Hoffner has been invited to discuss her books on television programs of EWTN and the Catholic Faith Network as well as on radio stations across the United States and Canada.
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