John Cardinal Glennon led the Archdiocese of St. Louis for 42 years, from 1903 to 1946, at the beginning of a vibrant era of Christendom and Catholicity in St. Louis and a host of other major and emerging metropolitan communities across the United States.
With an episcopal motto of Crux Fidelis Lux Perennis, which translates to “Faithful Cross, Everlasting Light,” the cardinal was an inspired visionary and a builder who lived the Church’s mission of evangelization. As Archbishop of St. Louis, he directed the construction of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, the development of major and minor seminaries – including what is now known as Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, and the establishment of seven high schools and numerous parishes. Even the National Catholic Educational Association got its start at a meeting that was hosted within Glennon’s Archdiocese of St. Louis, in 1904.
Among his many accomplishments, one that likewise should be noted for its foresight is Archbishop Glennon’s decision in 1912 to call together all the independently operated Catholic charitable organizations within his archdiocese. The conference he convened met annually thereafter, providing participants with opportunities to collaborate more effectively to meet the needs of the St. Louis community. In 1932, nearly 30 years into Archbishop Glennon’s long tenure, the group came together formally, taking the name Catholic Charities of St. Louis.
Over time, Catholic Charities within the Archdiocese of St. Louis came to be understood as a kind of federation of social service agencies designed to serve our sisters and brothers in need – each agency with its own quasi-independent leadership, coworkers, volunteers, advisory boards, donors and supporters. Eventually, a local Catholic Charities central office began offering support to the agencies in advocacy, administration, accreditation, human resources, communications, quality assurance, and fund development, among other areas.
Thanks to the dedication of so many through the years, Catholic Charities’ ministries have advocated for social change and made an undeniable impact on the lives of millions of people. The local Church is blessed by the commitment and witness of all who have played a part in Catholic Charities’ ministry of direct service and support to those in need.