Spalding, Martin John, Dd

Spalding, Martin John, D.D.

an eminent Roman Catholic prelate and author, was born near Lebanon, Kentucky, May 23, 1810, being descended from the Catholic settlers of Maryland. He graduated from St. Mary's Seminary, Marion County, in 1826, and in theology from St. Joseph's Seminary, Bardstown, after four years' study. In 1830 he went to Rome, and after four years in the Urban College of the Propaganda, publicly defended, for seven hours, in Latin, two hundred and fifty-six propositions in theology, was rewarded with the doctor's diploma, and ordained priest by cardinal Pediana. He was now made pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Bardstolwn, afterwards president of St. Joseph's College, and again pastor of St. Joseph's. In 1843 he was called to the cathedral of Louisville, where he served five years. He was one of the most zealous missionaries of his time in Kentucky. In 1848 he was consecrated bishop of Lelngne in partibus, and coadjutor to bishop Flaget, of Louisville. In 1864, on the death of archbishop Kenrick of Baltimore, Dr. Spalding was installed seventh archbishop of Baltimore. He labored assiduously in his office. New churches were erected, schools founded, and noble charities endowed. He convened the Second Plenary Council of Baltimore, over which he presided. He attended the OEcumenical Council of the Vatican at Rome in 1869 and 1870, where he was distinguished by his labors and zeal. With the other American bishops, he favored the dogma of papal infallibility as there defined. His last years were as laborious as his early priesthood. "His amiability, simplicity of character, love of his people, and especially of children, his devotion to the faith and to his duties, have placed his name high among the illustrious prelates" of the American Roman episcopacy. He died in Baltimore, February 7, 1872. Dr. Spalding was a distinguished controversialist and literary reviewer. He was one of the editors of the United States Catholic Magazine. His principal works were, Sketches of the Early Catholic Missions of Kentucky (1844): — Hist. of the Prot. Reformation in Europe (Louisville, 1860, 2 volumes; 4th ed. Baltimore, 1866), being an enlarged ed. of his Review of D'Aubigne, Ranke, etc. (1844), which was republished in London and Dublin (1846): — Lectures on the Evidences of Catholicity (1847 4th ed. Baltimore, 1866, 8vo): — Life and Times of Bishop B.J. Flaget (Louisville, 1852, 8vo): — Lectures and Essays: Miscellanea (Lond., Baltimore, and Louisville, 3855; 4th ed. 1866, 8vo, edited, with introduction and notes, by Abbe and Darras): — Genesis Hist. of the Catholic Church (N.Y. 1865-66, 4 volumes, 8vo). His works are published in 5 volumes, 8vo, by Murphy, Baltimore. See (N.Y.) Cath. Almanac, 1873, page 35; DeCourcey and Shea, Hist. of the Cath. Church in the United States, page 178 sq., Reverend J.L. Spalding, Life of the Most Reverend M.J. Spalding D.D. (N.Y. 1873, 8vo).