Thesis Approved
Major Adviser
Dean THE HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF OMAHA (1910-1928)
BY SISTER M. MAURICE ARMBRUSTER
A THESIS
Submitted to the Faculty of the Creighton University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in the Department of History
OMAHA, 1937 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page FOREWORD ...... IV INTRODUCTION ...... VI I. THE ADMINISTRATION OF RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD SCANNELL, D. D., 1910-1916 1. Building of the New Cathedral...... 1 2. Reorganization of Parishes...... 3 3. Division of the Diocese in 1912...... 7 4. Construction of New Churches and Schools..... 9 5. Erection of New Institutions and Enlargement of Old ...... 15 6. Work of Charitable Societies...... 19 7. Death of Bishop Scannell...... 21 8. Growth in Catholicity...... 23 9. Second Division of the Diocese...... 25 II. THE ADMINISTRATION OF MOST REVEREND JEREMIAH J. HARTY, D. D., 1916-1926 1. Appointment and Installation of the Archbishop 27 2. His Efforts to Secure Funds for the New Cathe dral and to Complete Its Construction...... 33 3. Reorganization of Parishes...... 35 4. Construction and Dedication of New Churches Schools...... 45 5. Introduction of New Institutions and Growth of Old...... 52 6. Catholic Social Work in the Diocese...... 59 7. Investiture of Two Monsignors...... 61 8. The Archbishop’s Departure for theWest ...... 62 III. THE ADMINISTRATION OF MOST REVEREND FRANCIS J. BECKMAN, D. D., 1926-1928 1. His Appointment as Administrator of the Diocese...... 64 2. Investiture of Three Dignataries...... 66 3. Dedication of New Buildings...... 68 4. Changes Effected in Missions and Parishes..... 69 5. Death of the Archbishop...... 70 6. General Growth in Catholicity...... 72 CONCLUSION ...... 74 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 75 IV
FOREWORD
The History of the Diocese of Omaha from its beginning in 1859 to 1910 has been written by the Very
Reverend James Aherne and can be found in the Catholic Encyclopedia, XI. The aim of this thesis is to supple ment what has already been written. By 1910, Bishop Scannell had served nearly twenty years as Bishop of
Omaha. To complete the story up to the Administration of the Most Reverend Joseph Francis Rummel, D.D., 1928, bits of information were gathered from newspaper files,
The World Herald. The Catholic Daily Tribune. and especially The True Voice. Personal interviews were held with several clergymen of the diocese, and sta tistics were gathered from the Catholic Official
Directories, found in the Omaha Diocesan Library.
Grateful acknowledgement is due to all those who contributed so generously toward the completion of this work, especially to Doctor P. Nielson for his untiring interest and helpful direction and for reading the first draft; to the Very Reverend Doctor J. Zaplotnik and Reverend Paul Kannaby for help in the compilation of correct data; to Reverend Patrick J. Moran for his courtesy in giving the writer access to V the files of The True Voice» from which most of the material was gathered VI
INTRODUCTION
In 1910, the Diocese of Omaha, Nebraska, em
braced 52,996 square miles. This included that part of the state of Nebraska north of the southern shore 1 of the South Platte River. In due time two divisions were made and today, the Omaha Diocese embraces all
that part of the State of Nebraska north of the
southern bank of the Platte River and east of Hall, Howard, Greeley, Rock and Keyapaha counties, having 2 an area of 14,051 square miles.
The Right Reverend Bishop Scannell, who in
1891 succeeded Bishop O ’Connor first Bishop of Omaha, had already, in 1910 been bishop of the diocese for
nineteen years. During this time much had already been accomplished. Parishes, parochial schools, acade mies and diocesan priests had more than doubled their
number. Old frame buildings were gradually replaced by
a new style of architecture and the new cathedral was 3 in process of erection.
1. The Official Catholic Directory. 1910, 527. 2. Ibid.. 1935.
3. Rev. James Aherne, "Diocese of Omaha,” The Catholic Encyclopedia. XI, 250. VII
Beginning with 1910, the same wonderful growth and progress continued to show itself throughout the remaining years of Bishop Scannell’s administration
(1910-1916), throughout the administration of Most Reverend Jeremiah J. Harty (1916-1928), and that of
Most Reverend Francis J. Beckman who acted as adminis trator of the diocese during the absence of Bishop Harty from 1926-1928.
Some of the most outstanding accomplishments will be considered more in detail in the chapters that follow.
"The Diocese of Omaha has been blest in its bishops— each one worthy of the others. This largely is why the Diocese of Omaha is today so prosperous in good and holy things, so full of promise for even better things in coming years." 4
4. Archbishop Ireland, "In Memoriam," The True Voice. January 14, 1916, 4. I. THE ADMINISTRATION OF RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD SCANNELL, D.D. (1910-1916)
1. Building of the New Cathedral
Besides promoting with all earnestness the spiritual welfare of his flock, Bishop Scannell began the foundation for the new Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral on 40th and Burt Streets, the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Omaha, where all diocesan cere monies and functions were to be maintained, with the 1 laying of the corner stone on October 6, 1907. When completed it promised to rank "among the ten largest 2 cathedrals in the United States". (Its completion, however, will depend upon the faith and devotion of generations to come.) By 1913, the walls of the main structure were completed, as far as the roof. Its style, Spanish Renaissance, typical of Old World cul ture, brought out the beauty of the large building with its twin towers that could be seen for miles beyond the city.
Truly it was to be a monument to our Catholic
1. The True Voice. November 15, 1935, 1. 2. The True Voice', Tenth Anniversary Edition, 1903-1913, December 5, 1913, 1. faith. The sanctuary was to accommodate 500 persons, standing, with a seating capacity of 1000 in the nave.
The ultimate capacity of the cathedral was to be 2500 persons, including the ambulatorium. Since it was the policy of Bishop Scannell and his building committee not to contract debts, there was no indebtedness on the cathedral in 1913. The sum of $253,902.59 had been expended for material, labor and architects’ fee and it was estimated that more than $100,000 would be required to complete the building so that it might be 3 used for religious services.
On April 20, 1915, Bishop Scannell sent a letter to all the churches of the Diocese of Omaha announcing that the new Cathedral would probably be ready for occupancy by Easter Sunday of 1916. He also made an appeal to their generosity to meet the expenses 4 of completing the edifice. The whole diocese was called upon to aid in its erection for "even the most distant parish in the Diocese has an interest in the Cathedral 5 Church’*.
3. Rev. Peter Gannon, ’’The New Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral,** The True Voice, December 5, 1913, 1.
4. The True Voice, April 30, 1915, 1.
5. Rev. Peter Gannon, loc. cit., 1. 2. Reorganization of Parishes
Much time and thought on the part of the good
Bishop during the years of 1910-1916 was expended in
reorganizing and establishing eight new parishes, thirteen new missions and the one station of St. Mary’s 6 at Beryn, Nebraska in 1911.
Prior to 1910 the parishioners of the north
side of Sacred Heart Parish, Omaha thought that they could support a pastor if a new parish were established in that section of the city. They made their wish known
to Bishop Scannell who immediately permitted them to organize the new parish known as Holy Angels, bounded
on the north by the city limits, on the west by Fontenelie Park, on the east by the Missouri River and south by
Boyd Street. The Rev. P. A. Flanagan, then in charge of
St. James Orphanage, was appointed pastor. From October,
1910 to January 8, 1911 Mass was celebrated in Magnolia
Hall, 24th and Ames Avenue. On January 8, 1911, Holy Mass was celebrated for the first time in the newly
completed church of the Holy Angels at Twenty-eighth and Fowler Avenue. No less than a year later a splendid residence for the pastor was completed and in May, 1911,
6. The Official Catholic Directory. 1911. 4
a new school had been erected. School opened in 7 September with an enrollment of 145 children.
In 1911, St. Joseph’s Parish at Baker, Nebraska
was established and attended from Spencer. St. Theresa’s Parish at Clearwater was organized with a mission (St. Francis) at Neligh. The little mission at Oakdale (St.
Mary’s) became a mission of Clearwater in 1912. The
Sacred Heart Parish at Niabrara was attended from Pine
Ridge by a Jesuit Father. St. Rose Lima’s Parish at Hooper became a mission of West Point. The Winnebago mission, St. Cornelius, was established and Pleasanton 8 became a mission of Broken Bow.
In 1912 St. Peter’s Parish was established at
Fullerton, Nebraska. St. Mary’s, a Bohemian Parish, was erected at Schuyler with a small mission (Our Lady
of Perpetual Help) at Wilson. St. Joseph's Parish at Walthill was organized with a mission at Rosalee and
St. Joseph’s German Parish at Dodge was established and attended from O'Neil and St. Mary’s at Ridgeley,
7. The Rev. Peter Gannon, loc. cit., December 5, 1913.
8. The Official Catholic Directory. 1912, 573. 5 a mission to West Point, was discontinued because the 9 church burned.
In July, 1913, the Right Reverend Bishop
Scannell, with the approval of the Franciscan Superi ors, established a separate congregation for the Polish
Catholics who had settled around Columbus, Nebraska and were attending divine services at St. Bonaventure’s with the German and English speaking Catholics. "On September 26, 1913, the Polish Congregation was incorpo rated as Saint Anthony’s Church of Columbus, Nebraska."
During the same year a new school was erected at the 10 cost of $3,300.
In 1914 Saint Mary’s at Primrose became a mission to Spaulding and the Winside mission attended 11 from Wayne was given up. In 1915 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish at Tilden with Saint Margaret’s mission at South Tilden was organized, and Saint Philip and
James* Parish at Wynot was added to the Diocese. Saint
9. Ibid.. 1913, 641. 10. The Rev. Peter Gannon, The True Voice, Twenty-fifth Anniversary Edition, 1903-1928, Dec. 7, 1928. 11. The Official Catholic Directory, 1914, 625. 12 John’s mission at Pender was given up. The greatest change, however, in removal of parishes came with the 13 erection of the new Kearney Diocese in 1912.
12. Ibid.. 1915, 614.
13. The True Voice , January 31, 1913, 1 7
3. Division of the Diocese in 1912
Catholic growth in the western part of Nebraska during the past few years called for the need of a new diocese. It would have been erected sooner but no one knew just where to make the division. However, in
December, 1911, a petition for a new diocese was sent 14 to Rome. On the 8th day of March 1912, a decree of the Consistorial Congregation approved by Pope Pius X 15 of blessed memory, erected the diocese of Kearney, comprising all counties north of the southern shore of the Platte River and west of Wheeler, Greeley, Howard, and that portion of Hall county lying north of the 16 south bank of the Platte River.
"Carved from the western portion it em braces about one-half the total area of the state. The boundary line between the new diocese and the Diocese of Omaha will be the western boundaries of the counties of Boyd, Holt, Wheeler, Greeley, Howard and Hall. On the south the boundary will be the Platte River and the Colorado state line and on the
14. The Rev. Peter Gannon, op. cit., March 8, 1912.
15. The True Voice, January 31, 1913, 1. 16. The Rev. John Zaplotnik, Interview, May 20, 1935. 8
north the state line of South Dakota.” 17
The setting apart of the new diocese of Kearney removed 37,998 square miles of territory over which were scattered 4,612 Catholic families. It also took
\ with it 17 parishes, 36 mission churches, 25 diocesan 18 priests, 25 stations, 12 chapels and 2 parish schools, and left the Diocese of Omaha with an area of 14,998 square miles, 105 parishes, 39 mission churches, 130 diocesan priests, 37 priests belonging to religious communities, 4 stations, 19 chapels, and 78 parish 19 schools with a Catholic population of 75,557.
17. The Rev. Peter Gannon, loc. cit.. 1.
18. The Official Catholic Directories, 1912, 573 - 1913, 641.
19. Rev. Peter Gannon, op. cit., December 5, 1913 9
4. Construction of New Churches and Schools
The many splendid new churches and schools that were erected from 1910-1916, exhibit the great love and devotion that the Catholic people of the diocese had for their faith and show that they realiz ed the value of Catholic education for the primary purpose of all parochial schools is to give religious training.
In the year 1910, four new schools were dedicat ed, the new modern fireproof school at Randolph, on July 20 5, 1910, the new school at Raeville on October 4, 21 1910, St. Andrew’s school at Bloomfield on October 6, 22 1910, and one opened at Dodge, Nebraska by the Sisters 23 De Notre Dame (Bohemian Branch). The new Saint
Patrick’s Church on 14th and Castellar Street, Omaha, Nebraska was built and the old church used exclusively 24 for a school until 1926.
20. The True Voice. July 15, 1910, 1.
21. Ibid.. October 14, 1910, 1.
22. Ibid.. October 7, 1910, 1.
23. School Sisters De Notre Dame (Bohemian Branch) Manuscript, 1911.
24. The Rev. J. Ostdiek, Annual School Report of The Omaha Diocese, Sept.. 1, 1928-1929. 10
In October of this same year, Reverend Edward
Muenich was appointed pastor of Saint Leonard’s Parish, at Madison and was given the task, according to the wishes of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Scannell, to build the 25 new rectory and complete the church. The parish was given up by the Franciscan Fathers because they were needed elsewhere and then, too, Madison had never been 26 definitely entrusted to their permanent care.
The rectory was completed in 1911 but the exca vating for the new church was not begun until Easter
Monday, 1912. The following year, May 8, 1913, the 27 corner stone of the new $65,000 church was laid by
Rt. Rev. Bishop Garrigan of Sioux City. The Church was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Tihen on December 4, 28 1913. The Madison church is one of the most beautiful churches in the Diocese of Omaha. Neither money nor time had been spared in its construction, and unfortunately the parish contracted a heavy debt.
25. Rev. Adam Brass, op. cit.. October 16, 1925, 6. 26. Rev. Eugene Hagedorn, O.F.M., Franciscans in Nebraska. 388.
27. The True Voice. May 16, 1913, 3.
28. The Rev. Adam Brass, loc. cit.. 6. 11
Only two new churches were dedicated in 1910.
On the 19th day of October the new Saint Patrick’s 29 church at O ’Neil and on November 3, Saint James' parish at Kearney celebrated the dedication of their new church. Both ceremonies were conducted by the 30 Right Rev. Bishop Scannell. Two years later Saint
James' became part of the Kearney Diocese.
In 1911, there were two new schools and three churches dedicated, Saint Rose’s School at Crofton on August 10, and on April 23, Saint Joseph’s parochial school at Atkinson. Reverend Father Cassidy performed 31 the ceremony for the latter. The three churches dedicated were Saint Patrick's in Omaha, on May 21, 32 1911, SS. Peter and Paul’s Parish church at Saint 33 Paul, Nebraska on June 29, 1911. On November 22, 1911, Bishop Scannell dedicated the Holy Rosary church
29. Ibid.. October 28, 1910, 1.
30. Ibid.. November 11, 1910, 1. 31. Ibid.. May 12, 1911, 1. 32. Ibid.. May 26, 1911, 1.
33. Ibid.. July 7, 1911, 2 12 34 at Alliance, Nebraska, which became a part of the
Kearney Diocese in 1912.
In 1912, one new church and two new schools were added to the diocese. On May 22, 1912, Saint 35 Mary's church at Osmond was dedicated. Saint John's School at Petersburg was erected in 1911-1912 at the cost of $40,000. On June 4, 1912 the public and solemn 36 dedication took place. Three days later on June 7,
1912, Bishop Tihen of Lincoln, Nebraska in the absence of Bishop Scannell dedicated Saint Anthony's new school 37 at Cedar Rapids, Nebraska.
Three new churches and two new schools were erected in 1913. The first of these to be dedicated was the magnificent new Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes at Spaulding, Nebraska. The Rev. B. F. Galvin performed the ceremony on February 23, 1913. On February 25, it was ready for school work. Great effort during the previous twelve years had been made by the Dominican
Sisters to make this school one of the best of all
34. Ibid.. November 24, 1911, 1. 35. Ibid.. May 31, 1912, 1.
36. Ibid.. June 14, 1912, 1. 37. Ibid.. 1 13 38 institutions in the state.
Two months later on April 22, 1913, the new church at Saint Edward’s, Nebraska was dedicated by 39 Bishop Tihen. On September 30, the Very Reverend
Dean Father Ruesing of West Point dedicated the new 40 #40,000 church at Elgin, Nebraska. During this same year the new Saint Peter’s church in Ewing was complet- 41 ed and Father T. 0 ’Callaghan erected the new Saint Bridget’s School on South 26th Street, Omaha. He placed it under the care of the Sisters of Charity of the 42 Blessed Virgin Mary from Dubuque, Iowa.
For the first time on June 23, 1913, Creighton University‘opened up the summer session with an atten dance of nearly 100 Sisters besides a large number of 43 lay students. The university desired to extend its facilities to those eager for self-improvement and to
38. Ibid.. March 7, 1913, 3.
39. Ibid.. May 2, 1913.
40. Ibid.. October 10, 1913, 1. 41. Ibid.. July 3, 1936, 2.
42. The Rev. J. H. Ostdiek, Catholic Education in Omaha— Past. Present. Future. 1926.
43. Rev. P. Gannon, ojd. cit.. June 27, 1913, 1. 14 those who had no other time than the summer in which to 44 do it.
The year 1914, ushered in the dedication of Saint Patrick's boarding and day school at Fremont, 45 Nebraska on September 8, and Saint Michael's Church 46 at Spaulding, September 29. Both dedication cere monies were performed by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Scannell. Saint Patrick's school was placed in charge of the 47 Dominican Sisters from Saint Catherine’s in Kentucky.
44. Ibid.. December 15, 1916.
45. Ibid., September 11, 1914, 1. 46. Ibid,. October 2, 1914, 1.
47. Ibid.. September 11, 1914, 1 15
5. Erection of New Institutions and Enlargement of Old
Not only were schools and churches erected during this period of diocesan growth hut new institu tions were established and some of those already in the diocese were enlarged or improved in some way. Regard less of the fact that Bishop Scannell was a conservative leader, he was nevertheless progressive, and untiring in his efforts to build up in an orderly manner the diocese 48 for which he labored so zealously.
In the summer of 1910 the late Mrs. Nash together with Bishop Scannell purchased the old Kountze home on 811 Forest Avenue for the purpose of converting it into 49 a maternity hospital. It was blessed by the Bishop on December 8, and became Saint Catherine’s Hospital of
Omaha. The new hospital, according to the wish of the
Bishop was named Saint Catherine’s in honor of its great 50 benefactress, Mrs. Catherine Nash.
48. The Rev. Peter Gannon, "Bishop of Omaha," The True Voice, Twenty-fifth Anniversary Edition (1903-
49. Sisters of Mercy, Province of Omaha Anniversary 1831-1931, 89.
50. Ibid.. 81. 16
The old residence remodeled served well as a hospital for several years but the institution grew so rapidly that further accommodations had to be made.
In 1916 the first wing of Saint Catherine’s hospital was built, largely due to the generosity of Mrs. 51 Catherine Nash.
The new wing and chapel of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Omaha, which practically doubled the capacity of the institution, was dedicated by Rt. Rev. 52 Monsignor Colaneri on June 21, 1911.
During the year of 1912, 3800 patients were treated representing every possible nationality and creed. In 1913 Saint Joseph’s was one of the largest institutions of its kind in the west with a capacity 53 for 500 patients.
The entire history of Saint Joseph’s Home for the Aged at West Point, Nebraska is closely woven around the life of its founder, Monsignor Ruesing. In recog nition of his charitable labors the good priest was
51. The True Voice, November 27, 1925.
52. Ibid.. June 23, 1911.
53. The Rev. Peter Gannon, "Saint Joseph’s Creighton Memorial Hospital," The True Voice. Tenth Anniversary Edition, 1903-1913, December 5, 1913, 53. 17 made Prelate of the Papal Household with the title of
Monsignor by His Holiness Pope Pius X, on the 24th
day of May, 1914. The corwning success of his life in West Point is the institution that he founded for the
aged. For a number of years he was closely associated with organized charitable work in the state, being a 54 member of the State Board of Charities and Corrections.
He worked zealously for the uplift of the downtrodden and poor of society. In 1914 a new chapel, a large steam
laundry, a bakery and an emergency hospital were added 55 to the Home.
The Good Shepherd Convent, located at 40th and
Jones Streets in Omaha, celebrated the laying of the
corner stone of the new chapel on July 25, 1915. Bishop Scannell performed the ceremony. The good resulting
from the work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in the city of Omaha cannot be estimated because it is work done 56 for God and not for the praise of men.
54. Sister M. Florence Kientz, M.A.. Alverno, VIII, 108.
55. The True Voice, May 22, 1914.
56. Ibid.. December 15, 1916. 18
The new gymnasium of the Creighton University with a frontage of 93 feet and extending eastward 250 57 feet was ready for use in October, 1916.
57. Ibid., October 6, 1916 19
6. Work of Charitable Societies
A particular Council of the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul was organized in Omaha, May 9, 1910.
Eleven parishes were represented in the society. In
1912, twelve conferences were organized in twelve different parishes. Today there are almost three times 58 that number. "It aims to give its time and attention chiefly to the wants and uplifting of Catholics, though their relief work, according to the laws of the society 59 is not limited to them.” One major accomplishment of the society was the special relief given to those 60 suffering from the 1913 tornado.
In harmony with the work of the Saint Vincent De Paul Society, the Christ Child Society also labored to relieve the needy by giving two hours of work to help the poor, administering help at Christmas time, especially, and by collecting ailing and delicate
58. The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul. Twenty-sixth Annual Report of Particular Council of Omaha. Nebraska. Ocotber 1, 1933, September 30,1934, 3.
59. "Saint Vincent De Paul Society in Omaha," The True Voice. April 5, 1912, 10.
60. Ibid.. April 11, 1913, 5. 20 children for a two weeks stay in the country during 61 the summer months.
Activities of the Knights of Columbus must not be set aside. In 1913 there were 19 councils in the 62 state. Though not a religious society, its members must be practical Catholics. Since their work reaches far beyond parish limits their charity helps the struggling missions, the orphan and the poor.
"To a committee of this Council, appointed by the Bishop, was entrusted all the details for the public celebration connected with the laying of the corner stone of the new Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral." 63
61. "The Christ-Child Society," Ibid.. December 20, 1912, 1.
62. The True Voice. Tenth Anniversary.Edition, December 5, 1913, 40. 63. Ibid.. 40 21
7. Death of Bishop Scannell
The Diocese of Omaha mourned the death of their beloved Bishop Right Rev. Richard Scannell, when he passed to his eternal reward 2 o ’clock Saturday morning on January 8, 1916. The news of the Bishop’s death was a shock to the city of Omaha when it appeared in the 64 Saturday morning paper. Telegrams were sent to the Bishops of the United States and all priests in the Diocese were notified. Funeral services were held on January 12, 1916 at Saint John’s Church. The remains 65 were laid in Holy Sepulchre Cemetry.
66 For nearly a quarter of a century Bishop
Scannell had been Bishop of the Diocese of Omaha, and under his administration it had made great progress and 67 was in good order at his death. The beautiful new
Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral at 40th and Burt Streets, which was to be completed within the next few months stood as
64. Ibid.. January 14, 1916, 1. 65.Ibid.. 2.
66. Ibid., January 21, 1916, 1. 67. Ibid., January 14, 1916. 22 68 a monument of his labors. Since then many months have passed into years and the Cathedral still stands in complete.
Although conservative and a strict disciplinar ian with stern demeanor, he was at the same time progres sive and withal a kind father to his flock. "He was devoted to justice, which was chosen as his motto on his 69 coat of arms." His income he devoted to the needs of the Diocese, never accepting any more than was necessary for his own personal support, so that at his death there was no personal estate except the insurance policies 70 taken out many years ago. He possessed the qualities of a great leader and a great scholar with keen insight 71 into public affairs. He had reached his seventieth year. Forty-five of these had been spent in the priest hood, twenty-eight in the episcopate and twenty-five of these as Bishop of the Diocese of Omaha.
68.Ibid.. 4.
69.Ibid., Twenty-fifth Anniversary Edition, (1903-1928), December 7, 1928.
70.Ibid., January 21, 1916, 3. 71.Ibid., January 14, 1916 23
8. Growth*in Catholicity
Briefly summarizing the achievements of the short period of six years 1910-1916, we begin with the build ing of the Cathedral. Although incomplete at the death of the Bishop it was his to begin and it still stands as a monument of his labor. During these six years of his episcopate, eight new parishes were organized, thirteen missions and one station were established. With the division of the Diocese in 1912, 15 parishes, 23 missions,
27 stations, 3 parish schools, 25 diocesan priests and 7,316 Catholics were transferred to the Kearney Diocese.
However, in 1916, the time just preceeding death of the Bishop, there were 116 parishes, 136 diocesan priests, 43 religious priests, 95 parochial schools with an
enrollment of 11,793 pupils, and 7 academies for young ladies with an attendance of 1190 students. Distributed 72 in these 95 parishes were 80,465 Catholics.
Nine new churches and eleven new schools were erected and dedicated. One new hospital, St. Catherine’s, was built and to St. Joseph’s was added the first new wing and a new chapel. Many more were in the process of
construction. A beautiful new chapel was also built in
72. The Official Catholic Directory. 1916, 594. 24 the Good Shepherd Convent, in Omaha. The Diocese was honored with the investiture of Monsignor Rt. Rev.
Joseph Ruesing.
Deserved praise can be given to the work of the Saint Vincent De Paul Society, the Christ-Child
Society, and to the Knights of Columbus in assisting the Church in the relief of her poor and destitute.
With the death of Bishop Scannell, came a new bishop and new experiences for the Diocese of Omaha. 25
9. Second Division of the Diocese
After the death of Bishop Scannell in January- 1916, the last division of the Diocese came, leaving 73 it an area of 14,051 square miles. The counties cut off with this division and added to the Kearney
Diocese were Wheeler, Greeley, Howard and that portion of Hall county north of the Platte River. The name of the Kearney Diocese was also changed to the Diocese of Grand Island because Grand Island was a better Catholic center than Kearney from which to radiate
Catholic regulations for the new diocese. This change was not made before because it was the wish of the late Bishop Scannell that the two Catholic centers, O ’Neil and Grand Island, remain in the Omaha Diocese. The new addition of territory was carried out through the Holy
See at Rome as soon as there was a vacant See in the 74 Omaha Diocese. The change in boundary lines was recommended by the Bishops of the Province at a meeting held early in February 1916. The change was no surprise, for it had been discussed casually even before that time.
Ten parishes, Grand Island, Wood River, St. Libory, St.
73. Ibid.. 1916. \
74. The Rev. J. Zaplotnik, Interview. May 20, 1935. 26
Paul, Elba, Farwell, Choynice, O ’Connor, Greeley and
Spaulding, 14 diocesan priests besides the priests of
Spaulding College. Spaulding College itself and the Spaulding Academy were now transferred to the Grand 75 Island Diocese.
From January 8, 1916, until the new bishop was installed on May 16, 1916, Monsignor A. M. 76 Colaneri was appointed administrator of the diocese.
75. The True Voice. July 21, 1916, 1.
76. Ibid.. November 15, 1935 II. THE ADMINISTRATION OF MOST REV.JEREMIAH J.HARTY,D.D.
1. Appointment and Installation of the Archbishop
The Most Rev. Archbishop Jeremiah Harty, D.D., was born in St. Louis, Missouri, November 5, 1853, received his education in the parish schools of St. Louis and completed his classical course at the univer sity in that city. Later he attended St. Vincent’s
College at Cape Girardeau, Missouri where he completed his studies for the priesthood. On April 28, 1878 he was ordained and until he became archbishop of Manila he was stationed in St. Louis. On August 15, 1903 he was consecrated in Rome and then took possession of 1 the See at Manila.
At the age of 63 years, the Most Reverend Jeremiah IT. Harty became by appointment of the Holy See, on May 16, 1916, Archbishop of the Diocese of 2 Omaha. This was communicated to Monsignor Colaneri, administrator of the Omaha Diocese, in a letter from
Monsignor Bazano, Apostolic Delegate at Washington, 3 D. C.
1. Ibid.. May 26, 1916, 1. 2. Ibid.. December 22, 1916, 1.
3. Ibid.. May 26, 1916 28
Tlie installation of the Archbishop, at the new Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral took place, on Thursday morning, December 21, 1916. Monsignor Colaneri read the following bulls of appointment in Latin and in 4 English.
4. Ibid.. December 29, 1916.
\ 29
The Official Documents
English Translation of the Bulls appointing Archbishop
Harty to the Diocese of Omaha.
One is addressed to the Archbishop himself and the other to the clergy and people of the diocese of Omaha.
To Archbishop Harty
Benedict, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, to Our Venerable Brother, Jeremiah James Harty, hitherto Archbishop of Manila, Archbishop Bishop-elect of Omaha, health and Apostolic benediction. The office committed to our lowliness by the eternal Prince of pastors of ruling,foster ing and governing the universal Church, lays upon Us the burden of diligently securing that there be constituted for all the churches pre lates, who with knowledge and power may nourish unto salvation the flock of the Lord.
Whereas, the Cathedral Church of Omaha, which is suffragan to the Metropolitan Church of Dubuque, and of which the last Bishop was Richard Scannell of blessed memory, is by his death de prived for the time being of its pastor. We, desiring to provide unto salvation, as well for the same Church of Omaha as for its flock in the Lord, by the plentitude of Apostolic power release you hitherto the Archbishop of Manila, from the bond by which you are held to the Metro politan Church of Manila, and after consulting Our Venerable Brothers, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, transfer you by Apostolic authority to the same Cathedral Church of Omaha; and as We have appointed you Bishop and Pastor so also do we fully commit to you the care, government and administration of the Church of Omaha in matters spiritual and temporal with all the rights, privileges, duties and obligations inhering in this pastoral charge. 30
We wish, however, that as you have hitherto borne the title of Archbishop, you should, in taking possession of this new See, bear the title of Archbishop Bishop of Omaha. We further wish that, besides comply ing with the other obligations of law, before you engage yourself in any way in the govern ment and administration of the aforesaid Church of Omaha, you be bound to make pro fession of Catholic faith and take the custom ary oaths in the presence of a Catholic prelate whomsoever you prefer, who is in the favor of and in communion with the Apostolic See, according to the forms annexed to the present letters, and to send them, over the signature and seal of yourself and the said Prelate, within six months to the Apostolic See.
Wherefore, by these presents, We commit to the Prelate chosen by you the office and mandate of receiving that profession and oath in Our name and that of the Roman Church. Finally, We reserve to Ourselves and to the Apostolic See the faculty of instituting a new boundary of the diocese to be accomplished howsoever and whensoever it shall be according to our good pleasure and that of the same See. We conceive, however, the firm hope and confi dence, that, with the right hand of the Lord propitiously assisting you, the said Cathedral Church of Omaha may be wholesomely governed by your pastoral industry and fruitful zeal, and may experience a healthy growth in matters spiritual and temporal.
Given at Rome at St. Peter’s in the year of Our Lord, 1916, on the 16th day of May, in the second year of Our Pontificate.
P. P.
To the Clergy and People of Omaha
Benedict, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, to Our beloved Sons, the Clergy and People of the City and Diocese of Omaha, 31
health and Apostolic benediction. On this day, We, in the plentitude of Apostolic Power releasing our venerable Brother, Jeremiah James Harty, hitherto Archbishop of Manila, from the bond where by he was held to the Metropolitan Church of Manila, have, by Our Apostolic authority and after consultation with Our Venerable Brothers, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, transferred him to your Cathedral Church of Omaha, for the time being deprived of its pastor, and have set him over the church as its Bishop and Pastor; permitting him, moreover, to retain the title of Arch bishop, and so to be styled henceforth Arch bishop Bishop of Omaha. Wherefore, We exhort you all and strict ly enjoin upon you to receive with devoted ness the same Jeremiah James Harty, Arch bishop Bishop, as your father and the shepherd of your souls, and to pay him due honor and to show due obedience and reverence to his salutary counsels and commands, that he may rejoice to find in you devoted sons, and you in him a kindly father.
We wish, moreover, and command, that by the care and office of the Ordinary who now rules your diocese, these Our letters be publicly read from the pulpit in the same Cathedral Church, on the first occurring holyday of obligation.
Given at Rome at St. Peter’s in the year of Our Lord, 1916, on the 16th day of May in the second year of Our Pontificate. 5 P. P.
The Archbishop in addressing the assembly ex pressed his thanks to all who honored him that day.
5. Ibid.. Dec. 23, 1916 32
All left the Cathedral with a confidence that Father
Jennette set forth in these words on this solemn occasion.
"We have every confidence that under your wise guidance our Catholic schools will prosper, our Catholic institutions will flourish, and that religion will make progress as never before. To this end we pledge you our cordial cooperation and our loyal obedience.” 6
The civic welcome of the City of Omaha to the Archbishop took the form of a banquet at the Fontenelle Hotel on December 25, 1915. Here more than three hundred had assembled to do honor to the distinguished 7 guest.
6. Rev. Father Jennette, "Greeting to Arch bishop Harty,” The True Voice. December 22, 1916, 1.
7. "Archbishop Harty Welcome," The True Voice. January 19, 1917, 1. 33
2. His Efforts to Secure Funds for the New Cathedral
and to Complete Its Construction
In his eagerness to continue and extend the work so zealously carried on by the late Bishop Scannell, Archbishop Harty appointed a building board in July,
1917 for the purpose of going over all the plans for building churches, schools, parochial residences and to complete the construction of the new Saint Cecilia's
Cathedral. Very Rev. James Aherne was president of this 8 board.
The following April, 1918 at the close of the annual retreat held at Creighton University, the Arch bishop made an appeal to the priests of the Diocese to help collect funds to finish the new Cathedral. He spoke briefly and feelingly that brought forth a demonstration of reverence, a manifestation of good will and affection toward the Archbishop. They were generous beyond measure in their pledges of subscriptions. They were given three years to complete the payments. The sum of $73,405 was 9 promised and $32,251.83 was actually paid.
8. The Rev. Peter Gannon, "Archbishop Harty Appoints Two Important Boards," The True Voice, July 6. 1917, 5.
9. Ibid.. April 5, 1918, 1. 34
Pastors and their congregations responded en thusiastically to the appeal of the Archbishop in order to push on the work of completing the Cathedral. With the completion of the May drive $28,919.61 cash was 10 received on May 21, 1918.
Services were held in the Cathedral for the first time on November 25, 1917 because a strong wind had blown down some of the high scaffolding and com il pletely wrecked the old Saint Cecilia’s pro-cathedral.
The need for its completion was even now more necessary, since the Cathedral had to be in actual use.
10. Ibid.. May 24, 1918, 1. 11. Ibid.. November 23, 1915, 5 35
3. Reorganization of Parishes
For a period of eight years until overtaken by ill health Archbishop Harty labored diligently to in crease the number of parishes and schools in the diocese of Omaha. Thirteen new parishes were organized in Omaha and twenty in other parts of the diocese. He encouraged the building of parish schools wherever possible and 12 many were built at heavy expense to the parishes.
In 1917 no less than four new parishes were started in the city of Omaha. The first being the new
Holy Name Parish at North 45th Street taken from the Cathedral Parish, Sacred Heart and Saint Bernard’s at Benson. This was to be the largest parish in the 13 diocese. Property consisting of about two and two thirds acres located in the northwestern part of the city at 45th and Wirt Streets was purchased by the 14 Archbishop for the sum of $10,000. Father Stephen
L. Dowd was appointed pastor and the construction of
12. Ibid.. November 15, 1935, 1.
13. The Rev. Paul Kannaby. Interview. April 10. 1935. 14. o£. cit.. June 29, 1917, 5. 36
15 the building began at once. Within the lapse of a few months, Father Dowd received a commission as army chaplain and departed for Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois, to take up his new duties. It was then, July, 1918 that the Redemptorists Fathers of St. Louis were called in to take charge of Holy Name Parish. The Reverend L. P. 16 McKeown, C.S.S.R. became the new pastor.
While the church was under construction, Mass was said in Armstrong's Hall but at the Archbishop's request, the church from Armstrong's Hall was trans ferred to the rectory parlors, still a temporary arrangement, but more suitable than the former. By fall of 1918 a frame church building had been built by the men of the parish, furnishing a more suitable place for divine service. The rectory parlors were turned over to the Sisters, Servants of Mary, and converted into a convent and school. School opened September 3, 1916 with twenty-eight pupils.
In the spring of 1919 more property extending from Maple to Wirt Street and from Fontenelle to 45th Avenue was purchased by Father McKeown, for the purpose
15• Ibid.. July 20, 1917, 5. 16. Ibid.. July 5, 1918, 5.
of building a new convent and school. So rapid was the growth of the parish that it was necessary to erect a large modern school building, the first unit of which was dedicated in 1919 at the same time that the church was dedicated. It is one of the most beautiful in 17 Omaha. On July 20,1917 Rev. Michael Stagno took charge of the new Saint Ann’s Italian parish, located at 24th 18 and Poppleton Avenue. This parish consisted of Italian families who had attended Saint Peter’s and 19 Saint Philomena*s Parishes. On November 11, 1917 Archbishop Harty performed the ceremony of laying the 20 corner stone. Saint Adalbert's a national parish on 2618 South 30th Street Omaha, was made up of three divisions of Bohemians taken from Saint Wenselaus. Because of the extensive territory of Saint Wenselaus most of them had 21 too far to go to church. Holy Mass was offered up 17. Ibid.. October 21, 1927. 18. Ibid.. July 20, 1917, 5. 19. The Rev. Paul Kannaby, Interview. April 10. 1935. 20. The True Voice. November 16, 1917, 1. 21. The Rev. Paul Kannaby, Interview, April 10. 1935. 38 for the first time in the new church at Midnight, December 25, 1918. The church and school were dedicated by His Grace, the Most Rev. Jeremiah J. Harty on October 22 12, 1919. SS. Peter and Paul’s parish, on 36th and X Streets, South Side, was constructed during the years of 1917 and 1918. When it was complete Solemn High Mass was sung for the first services on Easter Sunday March 22, 1918. The parishioners who numbered about 190 families from i Greater Omaha and nearby territory, were for the most part Croations and Slavonians. The Rev. Dr. John L. 23 Zaplotnik was appointed pastor. The church was dedicat- 24 ed on June 29, 1919, By Archbishop Harty. The new parish, Saint Michael’s, was established in the northeast portion of the city of Omaha on November 26, 1917. You will recall the rapidity with which Holy Angels’ parish grew. From this the new Saint Michael’s 25 was taken. The building was completed enough by 22. The True Voice. September,12, 1919, 5. 23. Ibid.. March 29, 1918. 24. Ibid.. June 27, 1919. 25. Rev. Paul Kannaby, Interview. April 10, 1935 39 February 10, 1918 so that after a private blessing, 26 Mass was said in it for the first time. In 1917 the Archbishop purchased three acres for about $10,000 at 56th and Q Streets on which was 27 built the new Holy Ghost church and school. The first Mass of the new parish was celebrated in a chapel 28 fitted out in the rectory, March 17, 1918. The Arch bishop called in the Augustinian Fathers to take charge of the parish. He had met them when he was in the Philippines and desired them to work for him in the Omaha Diocese. The contributed their services at Holy Ghost parish and organized the Mexicans of South Omaha, who had come into the city to labor in the railway yards, the packing house, and nearby beet fields. These Mexicans had no church until Bishop Beckman’s time, when they rented a store that served as one. Today it 29 is known as Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Parish. Holy Ghost parish was solemnly dedicated on September 3, 26. Sister Loyola, Interview. April 8, 1935. 27. Rev. Peter Gannon, op. cit., June 29, 1917, 5 . 28. Ibid.. December 23, 1921, 1. 29. Rev. Paul Kannaby, Interview. April 10. 1935. 40 30 1922 by His Grace Archbishop Harty. The new parish of Saint Rose, on South 13th Street, Omaha, was taken from Saint Patrick’s and from 31 the east section of Saint Bridget’s parish in 1918. The grounds were broken for the new school during the latter part of September,1919 and the building was 32 completed in February, 1920. In November 1918, Saint Benedict’s, on Grant Street in Omaha, was organized for the colored people of Omaha. A large number of them came into the city during the World War, finding employment in the packing plants. In order to save their Catholic faith it became urgent to organize a parish for them. In 1920 services were held by Father Cassidy,S.J. in a two-story frame house on Parker Street. In 1923, new and better quarters were secured on 24th and Grant Streets. Finally the ground and three adjacent lots were purchased. A parochi al school was begun in the old building on Grant Street but later on a new fireproof building was erected at the cost of $36,000. In April, 1929 the colored children 30. Rev. Peter Gannon, op. cit. . March 22, 1918, 5. 31. Rev. Paul Kannaby, Interview, April 10,1935. 32. Rev. Peter Gannon, op. cit.. February 13, 1920, 8. 41 33 occupied the new building. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Thirty-second and Francis Streets, Omaha, was formed from Saint Peter’s Parish in 1919. Father William Borer was appointed pastor. At the time, the parish carried a $186,000 debt because pledges for payments were made that could not be paid and many who had made these pledges moved away. Our Lady of Lourdes parish being centrally located was a help to the Diocese in relieving the near by parishes and by making it easier for the faithful to attend divine services. At the present time it is one of the most active parishes in the diocese because it intends to meet the debts and the large sums of interest 34 that is held against its progress. The first Solemn High Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church was celebrated 35 on February 10, 1922. Saint Stanislaus Parish, 41st and J Streets is made of Polish parishioners that had attended Saint Francis and Immaculate Conception parishes. In 1919 services were held in a small hall above a bakery on 33. Mercy Sisters, op. cit. . December 12, 1931, 45. 34. Rev. Paul Kannaby, Interview, April 10. 1935. 35. The True Voice, February 17, 1922. 42 36 L Street. The dedication ceremonies for the church and school were performed by Archbishop Harty on 37 October 3, 1920. Within a year there was an increase 38 from 174 to 226 families. This shows how rapidly these parishes grew after they were started. The school opened the same month with two grades in charge of Saint Francis Sisters from Lafayette Indiana, with an 39 enrollment of 154 pupils. In 1920, three new parishes were formed in Omaha, Saint Margaret Mary’s on California Street, 40 Holy Cross Parish and the Blessed Sacrament Parish on North 30th Street. The latter was formerly a part of Holy Angels. Three acres of ground on North 30th Street, comprises the property of the parish. The first Mass was celebrated on Ash Wednesday and the dedication ceremony 41 was performed in the spring of 1920. 36. Ibid., October 8, 1920, 1. 37. Ibid., October 9, 1920, 1. 38. Ibid.. 39. Ibid., October 8, 1920. 1. 40. Catholic Daily Tribune. December 23, 1936,5. 41. The True Voice. February 20, 1920, 5. 43 In 1917, outside the city of Omaha, Valley, Lyons, Emmett, Primrose and South Sioux City became parishes. Valley situated in the western part of Douglas county took Elkhorn and Waterloo was missions. Lyons, in the northern part of Burt Sounty, took 42 Tekamah and Decatur as missions. Primrose, Emmett 43 and South Sioux City had been missions. Brunswick 44 became a mission of Plainview. In 1918, East Bow, Saint Peter’s at Clarks and 45 Saint Mary’s at Spencer, became parishes. Tara became 46 a mission of East Bow and Silver Creek a mission of Clarks. Clarks formerly was attended from Central City 47 and Silver Creek from Krakow. In 1920, Saint Joseph’s at Amelia and Saint 48 John’s at Deloit, were organized. Saint Mark’s new 42. Ibid., September 21, 1917. 43. Ibid.. September 28, 1917, 5. 44. Ibid.. July 20, 1917, 5. 45. Ibid.. July 5, 1918, 5. 46. Ibid.. June 7, 1918, 5. 47. Ibid., July 5, 1918, 5. 48 The Official Catholic Directory. 1921, 501 44 parish at Fort Crook was opened on Sunday May 22, 49 1921. In 1922, Saint Mark's at Bellevue was attended from Saint Columban’s. No parishes were added to the 50 diocese from 1923 to 1926 inclusive. 49. The True Voice. May 20, 1921, 5. 50. The Official Catholic Directories. 1922, 513 - 1923, 524 - 1924, 560 - 1925, 566 - 1926, 582. 45 4. Construction and Didication of New Chruches and Schools Archbishop Harty laid the corner stone for five new churches, two new schools and performed the dedica tion ceremonies for twelve churches and three schools during the brief period of eight years. On the Feast of the Sacred Heart, June 25, 1922 he consecrated the 51 Sacred Heart Church in the city of Omaha. He laid the corner stone of the West Point 52 Church August 5, 1917, of Saint Bonaventure’s Church 53 of Raeville, Nebraska on October 2, 1917, of the new 54 Saint Columkille’s at Papillion on June 17, 1923, of 55 Saint Peter’s Church at Fullerton on June 24, 1923, 56 of Saint Bridget’s in Omaha June 15, 1924, of Saint 57 Peter’s in Omaha, in 1925, and of the new Saint 51. The True Voice. June 23, 1922, 1. 52. Ibid.. September 21, 1917. 53. Ibid., October 5, 1917, 1. 54. Ibid.. June 15, 1923, 1. 55. Ibid.. June 22, 1923, 1. 56. Ibid. . October 17, 1924, 6-8. 57. Sisters of Mercy, ojd. cit. , December 12, 1931, 40. 46 58 Patrick’s in 1926. In 1917 Archbishop Harty dedicat ed Sacred Heart Church at Norfolk on Sunday, November 59 4, and Saint Anthony's Polish church at Columbus on 60 November 13. In 1919, the Archbishop dedicated four beautiful 61 churches, Saint Anthony's at Cedar Rapids, on May 27, 62 the new church at Walthill on June 3, Saint Francis 63 church at Randolph June 4, and Saint Bonaventure's church on July 14, at Raeville, Nebraska. This is one 64 of the finest buildings in the Omaha Diocese. On June 29, 1920 SS. Peter and Paul's church at Howells was dedicated by the Archbishop. This is the third church 65 in the History of the parish. On September 2, 1923 the dedication of the new Saint John's church Omaha attracted crowds to 25th and California streets. Every- lO 00 • Ibid., 39. 59. The True Voice, November 9, 1917, 60. Ibid.. November 23, 1917, 1. 61. Ibid., May 16, 1919, 1. 62. Ibid.. May 23, 1919, 1. 63. Ibid., June 13, 1919, 1. 64. Ibid., July 25, 1919, 1. 65. Ibid. . July 16, 1920, 1. 47 one was excluded from the church until after the 66 dedication. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church at Tilden that had been enlarged at the cost of $20,000, was dedicated by Archbishop J. J. Harty on November 20, 67 1924. On June 13, 1923 Saint Boniface’s church at Monterey was destroyed by fire and the new Saint Boniface church was dedicated by the Archbishop on May 27, 1925. The new $75,000 church at the time of its dedication was free from debt, a credit to pastor and 68 parishioners of Monterey. Saint Peter’s church at Twenty-seventh and Leavenworth Streets was the last church dedicated by Archbishop Harty. He performed 69 this ceremony on Sunday morning May 9, 1926. With the encouragement of the Archbishop many new parish schools were constructed in the Diocese and Catholic education flourished. The new addition to Holy Family School at Lindsay was dedicated November 21, 70 1917. One of the finest Catholic schools in the middle 66. Ibid.. September 7, 1923, 1. 67. Ibid.. November 28, 1924, 1. 68. Ibid., May 29, 1925 , 1. 69. Ibid.. May 7, 1926, 1. 70. Ibid.. November 23, 1917, 3. 48 west was dedicated September 1, 1918 at West Point, 71 Nebraska. New schools were opened in seven parishes in 1918. They were South Sioux City, Wynot, Saint James, Snyder, Menominee, Holy Name and Saint Michael’s in 72 73 Omaha. On September 3, 1919 the new Sacred Heart school at Emerson was dedicated. The Order of Mercy has grown with the city of Omaha. The chief activity of the Mercy Sisterhood is the maintenance of schools. They conduct one college, two high schools, and ten grade schools in the city of 74 Omaha. On October 21, 1914 the Mercy Sisters cele brated their Golden Jubilee — fifty years in the Diocese of Omaha, at Saint Patrick’s church, on 14th 75 and Castellar street. In 1919, a boarding school for grade pupils was inaugurated at Saint Berchman’s in Omaha, in 1923 a gymnasium was erected on the school grounds, and in 71. Ibid.. September 6, 1918, 1. 72. Ibid.. September 5, 1919, 1. 73. Ibid.. August 23, 1918, 5. 74. Sisters of Mercy, o£. cit., 15. 75. The True Voice, October 23, 1914. 49 1926 the High School section discontinued and eventual ly Saint Berchman’s Junior High (which functioned for only one year) was incorporated into Saint Mary’s High 76 School. In 1921, the Mercy Sisters took charge of Saint Margaret Mary’s School. The Loretto Sisters from Loretto, Kentucky came to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in 1922. In 1923 the Mercy Sisters began teaching at Saint Benedict’s and the Servants of Mary took charge of Holy Ghost school. The Ursulines from York took over Saint 77 Anthony’s in 1925 and SS. Peter and Paul’s in 1926. The Ursulines from Louisville, Kentucky took charge of Saint Michael’s school and the Servants of Mary from Cherokee, Iowa were given charge of the new Holy Name 78 School. The Bohemian Sisters De Notre Dame were welcomed to the Omaha Diocese by His Grace, Archbishop Harty because he wished to have in his diocese a sufficient number of Bohemian Sisters to supply the needs of the 76. Sisters of Mercy, o£. cit., 29. 77. The Rev. J. Ostdiek, Education in Omaha, Past. Present. Future. 1926. 78. The True Voice, August 23, 1918, 5. 50 Bohemian schools. To make this possible the novitiate, with the permission of Rome, was transferred from Fenton to Omaha, Florence Station on August 25, 1920. Two years before this in 1918 they had already begun 79 to construct the large academy at Florence. In 1920 they took over Saint Adalbert’s school, in Omaha and in 1921 the Assumption school in South Omaha. For five years they cared for the homeless boy at Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home. They were unable to continue because the small community could no longer supply enough Sisters for the rapidly growing institution, 80 so in 1923 the Sisters of Mercy took charge of it. The Benedictine Missionary Sisters of Tutzing, Bavaria, Germany, who labored under Archbishop Harty in the Philippines were invited to the Omaha Diocese to take over Saint Bonaventure * s church at Raeville, in 1923. One year later, 1924, they established an American 81 novitiate here. Closely connected with the history of the Omaha Diocese is the work and progress of Creighton University. 79. School Sisters De Notre Dame, loc. cit..1911. 80. The True Voice. January 16, 1925, 3. 81. Rev. Eugene Hagedorn, 0. F. M . , Franciscans in Nebraska, 489. 51 In 1924 the college of commerce was opened to day students as a four year college course. In 1926 Duchesne was affiliated with Creighton and became the Women’s College of the university. In 1929 Saint Mary’s College also joined them. With the building of the gymnasium in 1916 and the Stadium in 1924 the athletic 82 program of the University gained a wider scope. The Stadium was erected at the approximate cost of $185,000 all of which was financed by the Athletic 83 Department of the University. Creighton University is considered one of the leading Catholic Universities in America, of which the Diocese of Omaha can be justly 84 proud. In 1928 the University could boast of a fac ulty of three hundred teachers, three thousand students 85 and 15,000 alumni. 82. The True Voice, November 15, 1935, 3. 83. Ibid.. June 19, 1925, 3. 84. Ibid., November 15, 1935. 85. The Story of Creighton, October 18, 1928,14. 52 5. Introduction of New Institutions and Growth of Old With the tremendous growth of parishes and schools in the Diocese came the additional growth of new institutions and activities. Among these institutions we find Father Flanagan’s Home for Homeless Boys, at Boys’ Town, Nebraska, about ten miles from the city of Omaha. Its meager beginning can be traced back to the year of 1917 when Father Flanagan was a young priest, trying to do what he could to reclaim unfortunates who had found their way to the Omaha police station. After having sheltered and dealt with about 2000 of such men, Father Flanagan decided that it would be much better to prevent or correct wrong living before it developed into matur ity, and that much adult crime could be prevented by careful training in childhood. Convinced of this he rented a house, December 12, 1917 at 25th and Dodge Street. This was the first Boys’ Home. During the war Father Flanagan moved with his boys to the old German Civic Center on South 13th Street. After the war he was able to finance the purchase of 160 acres of land ten miles west of Omaha, and called it Overlook Farm. This is the present site of Boys’ Town. From poorly built frame buildings the home grew into beautiful well 53 86 constructed brick buildings. * The Home is entirely dependent upon the gener ous charity of benefactors and the donations from the public for it receives no support from city, county, church or community chest. In 1930 two elderly sisters, Misses Mary and Ellen Doyle of a small Kansas town gave the home enough money to construct three new buildings at a cost of nearly $400,000. During the first 13 years the home cared for 2,744 boys that came from 34 different states, Mexico, and Canada, and represented 33 nationalities. The work is non-sectarian. All races, color, and religions are welcome. Of the 2,744 boys cared for in the past 13 87 years 1,429 were non-Catholics and 1,315 were Catholics. Not only are the boys cared for physically, mentally and morally but they are taught trades that will help them to support themselves in a respectful manner after they leave the home. In the fall of 1921 the Home conducted a build ing campaign and raised enough money to erect the present new buildings. In November 1922 the boys were sleeping 86. The True Voice, November 15, 1935. 87. The World Herald. May 12, 1931. 54 88 in the present dormitory. Father Flanagan with the help of generous friends has made thousands of boys happy and useful to society. "From the highways and the byways, the streets and the alleys; from the homes of neglect and the homes of grief, they come to Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home. Here they are clothed, fed, educated, and taught trades. They are instructed, encouraged and inspired. Here are opened to them the avenues of hope and encouragement which will enable them to make a new start toward a life of honesty and usefulness. From all parts they have come poor, neglected, unfortunate. To all parts they have gone — clean, upright young men; respectable, self-supporting and God-fearing.’’ 89 On March 25, 1918 Reverend Edward J. Galvin of the Irish Mission to China recieved permission from Archbishop Harty to establish a new foreign mission 90 society in Omaha, and to issue in the city a reprint 91 of the Missionary Magazine, "The Far East". Nine months later the new foundation was canonically erected in the Sacred Heart rectory at Bedford Avenue. This was the beginning of Saint Columban’s Foreign Mission Society in the Diocese of Omaha. The first issue of 88. Rev. E. J. Flanagan, The Romance of the Homeless Boy (Second Edition) December 1930, 7. 89. Ibid., 4. 90. The True Voice, November 15, 1935. 91. Ibid.. March 29, 1918, 5 55 »»The Far East" came out in April, 1918 and was dis tributed by the ladies sodality of the Sacred Heart 92 parish. In the fall of 1918 the Chinese Mission Society, recently incorporated under the State laws of Nebraska, purchased a residence and five acres of land at Fiftieth and Bedford Avenue. Here they established their American Headquarters for the purpose of carrying on missionary 93 work in China. Not many months passed before word came from the Holy See assigning to their care the province of Hupeh, a field of several thousand miles in central China with the city of Hanyang as headquarters. The 94 estimated total population of Hupeh is 4,000,000. In 1922 the present Saint Columban’s Seminary was constructed on the 250 acres at Bellevue, Nebraska about ten miles south of Omaha. It was dedicated by 95 Archbishop Harty on July 6, 1922. There is perhaps nothing that shows more deeply the keen interest that the Archbishop took in the newly 92. Ibid.. November 15, 1935, 1. 93. Ibid,. November 1, 1918, 4. 94. Ibid.. January 16, 1920, 1. 95. Ibid.. November 18, 1921, 5 56 established Chinese mission than the following letter written the Catholic people of the Diocese. DIOCESE OF OMAHA March 26, 1918 To the Reverend Clergy and to the Laity of the Diocese of Omaha: The Maynooth Mission to China is a religious movement inaugurated by the bishops of Ireland and blessed by his Holiness Pope Benedict XV. The Rev. Edward J. Galvin, the Rev. Joseph P. O'Leary and the Rev. M. Dolan have come to the United States to interest the Catholics and non-Catholics of this country in behalf of the great millions of pagans in China, who seem to be more eager than ever before, indeed to be in a receptive mood, for the good tidings. A monthly periodical devoted to their cause has been published in Ireland and will be re printed in this country. Due to my knowledge of and my abiding interest in the conditions in China, for during twelve years I was associated with the missionary work in the Far East, I have invited the Society to print the Missionary Journal in our own city of Omaha. The invitation has been accepted. I commend this missionary work to the clergy and to the laity of the Diocese. The Diocese of Omaha has always done its share in great enterprises. Any kindness or favor shown to the Reverend Edward J. Galvin and his companions will be personally appreciated by me. JEREMIAH J. HARTY, Archbishop-Bishop of Omaha.yD 96. Ibid.. March 29, 1918, 1 57 Besides the new activities just mentioned there were several worth while additions such as the new chapel at the Good Shepherd’s Convent that was erected in 1915 and dedicated in March 1917. It was attended by hundreds of spectators who were eager to inspect one 97 of the most artistic chapels in the West. In 1919 the Mercy Home, on Nineteen and Davenport Street was opened. The building was purchased through donations 98 secured in a drive made that same year. In 1918 Saint Joseph’s for the Aged at West Point, Nebraska, built an addition for fourteen more inmates, and in 1920 it was necessary to erect another house accommodating sixteen more. In 1923, a very large addition, a modern brick hospital with twenty-four rooms, was added to the main house, costing $102,000. It is the only Catholic institution of its kind in the 99 Diocese of Omaha. Archbishop Harty officiated at the formal open ing and blessing of the new nurses home at Saint Joseph’s Hospital on March 19, 1924. The six story fireproof building which was erected at the cost of $300,000 97. Ibid.. March 23, 1917, 1. 98. Sisters of Mercy,0£. cit.. 89. 99. The Rev. Peter Gannon, loc. cit., December 7, 1928. 58 accommodates 150 nurses and contains the dietary depart- 100 ment of the hospital. In 1924, the same year that the Raeville Convent was made a priory, a small hospital, at Lynch, Nebraska, was also started by the Benedictine 101 Missionary Sisters. The dedication ceremonies of the second wing of Saint Catherine’s Hospital began on November 28, 1925 and continued for three days. The old building was used after this as the administrative branch and chapel. To show the rapid growth of Saint Catherine’s hospital it is only necessary to say that from 65 beds in 1916 it increased the number by 95 additional beds in 1925 102 making a total of 160 beds at the time of dedication. On April 25, 1926 the corner stone of the Knights of Columbus’ Catholic Center building was 103 laid. 100. Ibid.. March 21, 1924. 101. Rev. Eugene Hagedorn, 0. F. M., loc. cit., 102. The True Voice, December 4, 1925, 5. 103. Ibid.. April 23, 1926, 6 59 6. Catholic Social Work in the Diocese Besides the growth and introduction of the various institutions in the Diocese of Omaha, from 1916-1926, new activities also became evident, perform ing the spiritual as well as the corporal works of mercy. The Catholic Instruction League was founded in the city of Omaha in 1917 by Father Lyons, S. J. for the purpose of giving Catholic children who were not attending Catholic schools an opportunity to learn their religion. With the cooperation of the pastors of the various sections, the instructions are given by Catholic women of Omaha who devote some of their time every week to help these neglected children. In 1923, there were 1100 children under the care of the League and 1,000 children had been prepared for their first Holy Communion 104 by the teachers of this League. It may surprise us to find so many who do not attend a Catholic school dis regarding the fact that there are so many. On January 10, 1921, contributions for the starv ing children of Europe from the Omaha Diocese amounted to 105 $13,631.43. 104. Ibid.. June 29, 1923, 1. 105. Ibid.. January 14, 1921, 1. 60 The Saint Vincent De Paul Society during this period took the initiative in helping Father Flanagan to establish his Home for Homeless Boys, purchased the heating plant for Saint Benedict the Moor’s church and school at a cost of $2,500, and compelled the railroad companies to build a viaduct over the tracks on Bancroft Street, so that children could go safely to and from the Immaculate Conception school. Six new conferences were formed since 1917. In the first Tridium of the Society 106 was held at Saint Joseph’s church. Since 1926 the Diocese of Omaha has had an organization called ”Catholic Charities,” authorized by the Diocese and sponsored by the local Community Chest so that the social welfare needs may be met in an adequate way. Hermonious relations exist between the Catholic Charities and the Saint Vincent De Paul Society. The amount of service rendered depends on the funds at the disposal of these societies. There was an increase 107 of approximately $2,000 in the budget from 1926-1928. 106. Twenty-sixth Annual Report of the Society of Saint Vincent De PauIT Particular Counsel of Omaha, Nebraska, October 1, 1933, September 30, 1934. 107. Rev. James J. Morrin, ”The Diocesan Catholic Charities,” The True Voice, November 15, 1935. 61 7. Investiture of Two Monsignors On July 16, 1924, the Rt. Rev. Monsignor John Vranek, pastor of Saint Yfenceslaus church in Omaha, was made Domestic Prelate by the Holy Father, Pope Pius XI, in recognition of his splendid work among the Bohemian people of Nebraska. His investiture took place, on January 4, 1925. Archbishop Harty personally bestowed it upon the good priest and spoke of the honor paid to him in these words: "The Holy Father by making your pastor a member of the Papal household honored first, Father Vranek, second, the Bohemian people of Omaha, .... It is your sincerity, simplicity and devotion to your people that has brought this honor.” 108 After having been pastor of Saint Wenceslaus’ parish for thirty-three years, he passed to his eternal 109 home on November 14, 1925. 108. "Investiture of Monsignor Vranek," The True Voice, January 9, 1925, 3. 109. Ibid., November 20, 1925 62 8. The Archbishop’s Departure for the West In 1925, Archbishop Harty was compelled to give up all the active work in directing his Diocese on account of ill health. He spent a number of weeks at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and then in November he was forced to seek a more favorable clime. Broken in mind and body from his strenuous labors, especially whilst in the Philippines, he departed for Tucson, Arizona. His last years were saddened by the many difficulties with which he was unable to cope. He was an "incurable optimist" that always looked for a cheerful outcome, even when calamity was inevitable. By the orders of his physicians he later left Tucson for Los Angeles, where 110 he spent the remaining days of his life. 110. Ibid., November 15, 1935, 1 III. THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE REVEREND FRANCIS J. BECKMAN, D. D. (1926-1928) 1. His Appointment as Administrator of the Diocese With the departure of Archbishop Jeremiah J. Harty from the Diocese of Omaha and his incapacity to perform his duties as bishop, the Right Reverend Francis J. Beckman, D. D., Bishop of Lincoln was appointed by the Holy See, Administrator of the Dioce of Omaha, on June 1, 1926. The following document was recieved from the Sacred Consistorial Congregation, through the Apostolic Delegation at Washington. THE SACRED CONSISTORIAL CONGREGATION Decree of Apostolic Administration of the Diocese of Omaha. Since Most Rev. Jeremiah James Harty, Bishop of Omaha, becuase of ill health and is unable for the present to govern his diocese; Our Holy Father, Pope Pius XI having maturely considered the matter, and wishing to provide suitably for the condi tions of the diocese, by this decree of the Sacred Consistorial Congregation has ordain ed and decreed that the actual government of the diocese of Omaha shall be taken and held at the pleasure of the Apostolic See by Rt. Rev. Francis J. Beckman, Bishop of Lincoln, with the title of Administrator Apostolic of the diocese of Omaha, with all the rights, faculties and privileges pertaining to this office. Most Rev. Jeremiah J. Harty meanwhile retaining title to the Cathedral Church of Omaha and its temporal benefice. All things 64 to the contrary notwithstanding. Given at Rome from the office of the Sacred Consistorial Congregation, April 9, 1926. C. Card, De Lai, Bishop of Sabina. Bishop Beckman arrived in Omaha June 11, 1926 and took formal charge of the Diocese at a meeting of the consultors held at the residence of the Archbishop. With this the Archbishop was relieved of his powers 1 and duties as Bishop of Omaha. The following extract is taken from Bishop Beckman’s letter in which he makes arrangements to take charge of the diocese, and provide for its needs in his absences, written June 4, 1926 at the residence of the late Archbishop. "We have delegated Our jurisdiction in spiritual and temporal matters to the Very Rev. James W. Stenson, who will act as Vicar Delegate and preside in the Curia in Our absence. Pastors will announce Our appoint ment as Apostolic Administrator to their people, and all, both clergy and laity, are most earnestly requested to pray for the well-being of Archbishop Bishop Harty, for the needs of the diocese and for the success of Our administration." 2 This relieved Monsignor Colaneri of his powers as Vicar General, but he still retained his authority * 1. Ibid.. June 11, 1926, 1. 2. Ibid. . June 11, 1926, 1 65 3 as Chancellor. 3. Official Catholic Directory. 1926, 582 66 2. Investiture of Three Dignataries The Reverend Bernard Sinne, pastor of Saint Mary Magdalene’s church at 19th and Dodge Streets, was made Domestic Prelate with the title of Monsignor by His Holiness, Pope Pius XI, on December 30, 1926. Monsignor Sinne came to Omaha, from Switzerland in 1904. Shortly after he was appointed pastor of Saint Mary Magdalene's church and has been there ever since. The$, it was the old German Catholic parish of Omaha. Now, it has become the prominent "down-town” church of the city, 4 accommodating large crowds of all nationalities. On July 20, 1927, Very Reverend Michael F. Cassidy V.F. pastor of Saint Patrick's church, at O'Neil, was elevated to the rank of Domestic Prelate, with the title of Monsignor, by Pope Pius XI, in recognition of the splendid work done by Father Cassidy in O'Neil and in Holt County for the past forty-one years. Under his direction the new Saint Patrick’s church, the rectory, and academy were built. Several of the flourishing parishes in Holt County are due to his zealous efforts. The title of Monsignor is an honor richly deserved for 5 it is the sign of approval upon work well done. His 4. The True Voice, January 1, 1926, 5. 5. Ibid.. July 22, 1927, 1. 67 investiture took place on October 11, 1927. Bishop 6 Beckman performed the ceremony. Monsignor Joseph Ruesing, who had been given the title of Monsignor, thirteen years ago, was honored once more by Pope Pius XI, when he bestowed on him the title of Prothonatory Apostolic "Ad instar". This good priest celebrated his golden jubilee as a priest on 7 May 24, 1927. 6. Ibid.. October 14, 1927, 1. 7. Ibid.. April 22, 1927, 1 68 3. Dedication of New Buildings Bishop Beckman, as Apostolic Administrator of Omaha, performed three dedication ceremonies. The Knights of Columbus Club and Catholic Community Center Building was dedicated on March 16, 1927. Congratulations from Archbishop Harty were received. He also expressed his regret in not being able to be with them at the formal 8 banquet of the dedication. The infant nursery and heating plant of Saint James Orphanage at Sixtieth Street and Bedford Avenue were dedicated on August 7, 1927. The nursery was started on October 29, 1926, with the permission of Bishop Beckman and completed at the 9 approximate cost of $125,000. The beautiful Holy Name school and church auditorium was dedicated on October 10 23, 1927. 8. Ibid.. May 20, 1927. 9. Ibid.. August 5, 1927. 10. Ibid.. October 21, 1927 69 4. Changes Effected in Missions and Parishes In 1926, the two missions attended from O ’Neil, Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception were changed. Sacred Heart became a mission of Ewing and the latter 11 a mission of Stuart. On March 25, 1927, the parish church of Saint Michael’s at Fourteenth and Fort Streets became known as the Church of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus and the Diocesan Shrine of the Little 12 Flower. Both the church and new school were dedicated 13 on April 24, 1927. The new school building, on Fifteenth fend Ogden Streets was completed in December 14 1927. 11. The Official Catholic Directory. 1926, 582. 12. Letter from Francis J. Beckman, Bishop of Lincoln and Apostolic Administrator of Omaha, to Rev. J. B. Flahe, dated March 25, 1927. 13. The True Voice. April 15, 1927, 5. 14. Ibid.. October 28, 1927, 3. 70 5. Death of the Archbishop After spending about two and a half years in the western states to regain his health, Archbishop Harty died at Los Angeles, California on October 29, 15 1927. This marked the close of an active career. A Pontifical Requiem Mass was celebrated October 31, 1927 in Saint Agnes church, Los Angeles, and that same night the remains were prepared for the journey to Omaha. On Friday morning, November 4, 1927, the funeral services of the deceased Bishop were held from Saint 16 Cecilia’s Cathedral. Interment of the kindly beloved prelate was made in Holy Sepulchre cemetery at Omaha, 17 where rest the bodies of the former bishops of Omaha. On account of Archbishop Harty's strenuous work in Manila, he came to the Omaha Diocese broken in body, physically unable to follow in the foot steps of his predecessor, the late Bishop Scannell, an able churchman and one of the most popular men in the community. The Archbishop was kindness in the extreme, 15. Ibid.. November 4, 1927, 1. 16. Ibid.. November 11, 1927, 1. 17. Ibid.. November 4, 1927, 1 and sometimes to his disadvantages, for "he was a gentle man, with a large sympathy, and no power to resist the pleadings of the fallen. His strength was in conscience of his people." 18 18. Ibid.. November 11, 1927, 1 72 6. General Growth in Catholicity During the eight years before his health broke down, the Archbishop was extremely active in the ad ministration of the Diocese. No less than thirty-three parishes were formed, thirteen in the city of Omaha, and twenty small ones in the country districts of the 19 diocese. In 1927, there were 143 parishes in the 20 entire Diocese with 267 priests, 180 of these Diocesan. Many priests outside the Diocese from far and near were admitted. Most of them stayed but a short time and then departed for more favorable fields, and the Diocese settled down to reduce the tremendous debt that had 21 come upon it. Four new religious communities were invited to the diocese, three of which established their novitiates in the City of Omaha, and two new organized institutions began to flourish. An effort was made to check up, on the schools in the diocese through a committee appointed by the Archbishop, but not much was accomplished and it 19. Rev. Eugene Hagedorn, 0. F. M.,op. cit.,198. 20. The Official Catholic Directory. 1927, 573. 21. Rev. Eugene Hagedorn, O.F.M.,loc. cit.,198. 73 22 "gradually ceased to function". In 1926 there were 23 eighty-eight parish schools in the Diocese and in 24 1927 there were ninety-one. In the city of Omaha alone there were thirty parochial schools, three institutional schools, eight private academies, two colleges and one university. The educational institutions in Omaha alone 25 are valued at $2,073.00. To help determine growth and progress we also turn to statistics. In the Diocese of Omaha there were 13,935 more Catholics in 1928 than in 1916, 3,375 more families, 33 more parishes, 13 more parish schools and 26 85 more priests. 22. Rev. H. Ostdiek, loc. cit. 23. The Official Catholic Directory. 1926,582. 24. Ibid.. 1927, 488. 25. Rev. J. H. Ostdiek, loc. cit.. 1927. 26. Official Catholic Directory. 1916-1927. 74 CONCLUSION Catholicity continued to flourish in the Diocese of Omaha because of the labor and zeal of its Bishops. 27 Truly "a diocese is blessed in its bishop.” We cannot, however, refrain from noting the striking contrast between the leaders of the past two administrations, that of Rt. Rev. Bishop Scannell and Archbishop J. Harty. They were two strong personalities, the one stern and scholarly, but withal kind; the latter, kind to a fault, approachable at all times, noted for his civic and humanitarian interests, optimistic even when the future 28 held out no hope. Each in his own way, accomplished great things for God and His Church. Both shall continue to live in the hearts of the Catholic people of the Omaha Diocese. Bishop J. Beckman, held his position as ad- 29 ministrator of the Diocese until July 3, 1928. Bishop J. F. Rummel then became Bishop of the Diocese of Omaha. 27. The True Voice. January 14, 1916. 28. Ibid.. November 15, 1935, 1. 29. Rev. Peter Gannon, loc. cit.. December 7. 1928. BIBLIOGRAPHY BIBLIOGRAPHY I. CATHOLIC DIRECTORIES The Official Catholic Directory, Messrs. M. H. Wiltzius and Company, Milwaukee, 1910-1911. The Official Catholic Directory, R. J. Kennedy and Sons, 44 Barclay Street, New York, 1912-1928, 1935. II. SPECIAL WORKS Aherne, Reverend James, ”Diocese of Omaha,” Catholic Encyclopedia XI, 250. Hagedorn, Reverend Eugene, O.F.M., The Franciscans in Nebraska, The Humphrey Democrat, Nebraska; The Norfolk Daily News, Nebraska, 1931, 489. Kientz, Sister M. Florence, M. A., Alverno, Chapter VIII, The Catholic Education Press, Washington, D.C. III. MISCELLANEOUS Letter: Beckman, Bishop Francis J. to Reverend J. B. Flake, March 25, 1927. Flanagan, Reverend E.J., The Romance of the Homeless Boy, 2nd Edition, December, 1930. Ostdiek, Reverend J. H., Annual School Report of the Omaha Diocese, September 1, 1928-1929. Ostdiek, Reverend J. H., Catholic Education in Omaha, Past, Present, Future, 1926. School Sisters De Notre Dame (Bohemian Branch) Manuscript, 1911, Florence Station, Omaha, Nebraska. 76 Sisters of Mercy, Province of Omaha Anniversary, 1831-1931. Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, Twenty-sixth Annual Report of Particular Council of Omaha, Nebraska, October 1, 1933-September 30, 1934. Story of Creighton and Souvenier Program of the Golden Jubilee, 1878-1928, October 18, 1928. IV. NEWSPAPERS Daily Catholic Tribune, December 23, 1936, Dubuque, Iowa. True Voice, 1903-1936, Omaha, Nebraska. World Herald, Omaha, Nebraska.