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Marco Rubio: the Catholic Roots of America
Catholic Law’s Center for the Constitution and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition (YouTube) ^ | Apr 9, 2026 | Catholic Law’s Center for the Constitution and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition

Posted on 05/23/2026 1:13:51 PM PDT by fidelis

Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivers virtual address at CIT’s Conference, Endowed by Their Creator: Catholicism, the Declaration of Independence, and the American Experiment at 250

On Thursday, April 9th, Catholic Law’s Center for the Constitution and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, together with Notre Dame’s Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government and Catholic University’s Carroll Forum for Citizenship and Public Life, co-hosted a symposium celebrating the nation's semiquincentennial. The day brought together leading scholars and public intellectuals from across the country to explore the relationship between the Catholic intellectual tradition and the principles of the Declaration of Independence, and to reflect on how both Catholicism and the Declaration continue to shape America's experiment in constitutional self-government, 250 years after its founding.


TOPICS: Catholic; Ecumenism; Religion & Culture; Religion & Politics
KEYWORDS: catholic; history; marcorubio; rubio

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1 posted on 05/23/2026 1:13:51 PM PDT by fidelis
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To: fidelis

Good to see you outing yourself, and yet another reason to never trust Rubio.

And St. Augustine was where yet another Catholic atrocity took place - Matanzas.

This speech would have been considered insane in 1950.


2 posted on 05/23/2026 1:20:00 PM PDT by Regulator (It's fraud, Jim)
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To: fidelis

Catholics played a vital role in the founding of America by providing early religious havens, securing indispensable foreign military alliances, and contributing heavily to the Revolutionary War. Despite making up less than 2% of the colonial population, their contributions were instrumental in winning independence and shaping the republic.


3 posted on 05/23/2026 1:29:37 PM PDT by kawhill (Dywedwch Wrthbym because + Add translation Welsh-English dictionary 'Tell Us')
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To: Regulator

“Good to see you outing yourself, and yet another reason to never trust Rubio”

As if amnesty and giving Puerto Rico statehood wasn’t enough.
Rubio’s relationship with former U.S. Rep. David Rivera also has a long history tainted by allegations of corruption and money laundering. The two bought a house in Tallahassee
I want to be wrong about Rubio.. but every day he’s looking more like the open border Latino pandering politico he’s always been.
https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/the-many-lies-of-marco-rubio/


4 posted on 05/23/2026 1:38:04 PM PDT by AuntB (Trump is our Ben Franklin - Brilliant, Boisterous, Brave and ALL AMERICAN!)
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To: AuntB

Do you take all your news and opinions from Socialist sources?


5 posted on 05/23/2026 1:41:14 PM PDT by Jamestown1630 ("A Republic, if you can keep it.")
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To: All

Despite being a small minority (about 1.6% of the population) often facing prejudice, Catholics played critical roles in the American founding, contributing key military, financial, and political support to the Revolution.

Key figures like Charles Carroll of Carrollton signed the Declaration of Independence, while others supported the Continental Army and secured vital foreign alliances.-——Catholic World Report


Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Md, was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and was a prominent Marylander who risked his vast fortune for the Revolution.

Thomas Fitzsimons of Pennsylvania was another prominent Catholic who served as a naval commander, fought in the Trenton campaign, and later signed the U.S. Constitution.

Catholics held leadership roles, including General Stephen Moylan (a top aide to Washington and cavalry commander) and Commodore John Barry, known as the “Father of the American Navy”.

The support of France, a solid Catholic nation, was crucial. Furthermore, individuals like Archbishop John Carroll (cousin of Charles) served as an emissary for the Continental Congress to secure Canadian neutrality.

Some scholars argue that Catholic theology, specifically concepts of natural law and the rights of citizens, influenced democratic ideals.

Although the Revolution occurred later, in the 17th century, Catholic Cecil Calvert founded Maryland, which was a vital early experiment in religious tolerance. —— Catholic World Report


The Catholic Experience during the Founding Centered on Catholic Patriotism:

Despite anti-Catholic sentiment, the vast majority of American Catholics supported the Revolutionary cause.
Changing Attitudes: The dedication of Catholic soldiers, alongside the alliance with France, convinced many American leaders to move away from anti-Catholic “Pope’s Day” traditions.

George Washington recognized the patriotic efforts of Catholics, acknowledging their “patriotic part” in creating the new government. —— CatholicVote org


Facebook · Ave Maria University
Catholics founded America’s oldest settlement, in St. Augustine, Fla, in 1565.
Catholic missionaries and explorers were there before Ponce de Leon.


6 posted on 05/23/2026 1:45:39 PM PDT by Liz (Winston Churchill: “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.”)
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To: fidelis

Have it your way, but their biggest contribution was time and again trying to restore England to the papist fold, stiffening the resistance of the Puritans (Spanish Armada, James II ‘s machinations on behalf of Louis XIV, leading to the glorious revolution of 1688, etc, etc) even GeorgeIII moving toward lans west of the Alleghenies under administrative authotity of papist Canada. Rubio’s thumb on the scales doesn’t ckange the facts, this was a very Protestant country.


7 posted on 05/23/2026 1:55:09 PM PDT by sopo
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To: fidelis
Endowed by Their Creator: Catholicism, the Declaration of Independence

Only one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was Roman Catholic.

8 posted on 05/23/2026 1:56:19 PM PDT by PAR35
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To: Regulator

Let loose the Anti-Catholic FR bigots!


9 posted on 05/23/2026 2:01:05 PM PDT by Jacquerie (ArticleVBlog.com)
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To: fidelis

bump


10 posted on 05/23/2026 2:04:37 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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To: All

Actor Jack Nicholson was raised Catholic in New Jersey but stopped attending church in his teens. In a 2007 Guardian interview, he said, “I can still work up an envy for someone who has faith. I can see how that could be a deeply soothing experience”.

He has also commented about admiring the intellectuality of Catholic teachings.

In the 2006 film The Departed, his character (Frank Costello) gives a monologue stating, “Years ago, we had the Church. That was only a way of saying—we had each other,” which touches on the waning cultural influence of the church in certain communities.

While Nicholson was considered for the role of Father Karras in The Exorcist (1973), director William Friedkin did not cast him, with one source indicating the director thought he was “too unholy” to play a priest.


11 posted on 05/23/2026 2:05:58 PM PDT by Liz (Winston Churchill: “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.”)
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To: PAR35

I think they were referred to as Papists back then.


12 posted on 05/23/2026 2:06:20 PM PDT by Biblebelter
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To: All

Several prominent Hollywood figures are openly devout Catholics, often citing their faith as the most important aspect of their lives, including actor Mark Wahlberg, who attends daily Mass, and Jonathan Roumie, known for portraying Jesus in The Chosen.

Other vocal, practicing Catholics in the industry include Mario Lopez, Patricia Heaton, and Stephen Colbert.

Here are key Hollywood figures known for their devout Catholic faith:

Mark Wahlberg: Frequently speaks about his faith, starting his mornings with prayer and attending Mass, stating, “Being a Catholic is the most important aspect of my life”.

Jonathan Roumie: The Chosen actor says his faith “energizes” and “comforts” him, bringing authenticity to his roles.

Mario Lopez: Has discussed his Catholic upbringing and actively shares his faith on social media.

Stephen Colbert: Host of The Late Show, who has referenced his faith and Sunday school teaching in interviews.

Nicole Kidman: Has stated that Catholicism guides her and she attempts to go to church and confession regularly.

Martin Sheen: Known for The West Wing, he is a devout Catholic and a social justice advocate.

Shia LaBeouf: Converted to Catholicism after filming a movie about Padre Pio.

Jim Caviezel: Played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ and is very open about his strong Catholic faith.

Patricia Heaton: Often recognized for her conservative, faith-based views.

Eduardo Verástegui: Mexican actor and producer who is highly involved in pro-life and Catholic initiatives.

Other notable celebrities who have identified as practicing Catholics include Pierce Brosnan, Steve Carell, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, and Mark Wahlberg’s wife, Rhea Durham, who is a convert.


13 posted on 05/23/2026 2:11:03 PM PDT by Liz (Winston Churchill: “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.”)
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To: Liz

Martin Sheen has said for a long time that he is a devout Catholic.


14 posted on 05/23/2026 2:12:07 PM PDT by dfwgator ("I am Charlie Kirk!")
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To: Liz

I forgot to mention he took the last name “Sheen” from Bishop Sheen.


15 posted on 05/23/2026 2:12:41 PM PDT by dfwgator ("I am Charlie Kirk!")
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To: Biblebelter

I tend to be circumspect on the Religion forum. The Religion Mod can be tough - I generally don’t even engage over here these days.


16 posted on 05/23/2026 2:12:50 PM PDT by PAR35
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To: Jacquerie

Oh no, darling, I come to my judgements quite organically: ancestors of mine fought with Cromwell.

French Calvinists - you know, Huguenots? The people massacred by your buddies back on St. Bartholomews Day?


17 posted on 05/23/2026 2:13:45 PM PDT by Regulator (It's fraud, Jim)
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To: All

Martin Scorsese is Catholic, and is deeply connected to the religion and its tenets. Raised in New York City’s Little Italy, he grew up in a devoutly Catholic, Sicilian-American household. He even attended a preparatory seminary in his youth before pivoting to cinema.

Scorsese has stated he believes in the tenets of Catholicism and feels most comfortable identifying as Catholic.

His faith has heavily influenced his work. His films frequently explore themes of guilt, sin, redemption, and suffering. He famously tackled faith and Christian spirituality directly in movies like The Last Temptation of Christ, and Silence.

He continues to explore religious topics, including executive-producing and narrating the docuseries “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints.”


18 posted on 05/23/2026 2:16:00 PM PDT by Liz (Winston Churchill: “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.”)
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To: PAR35

Yes. This is the truth. This great document is derived from biblical truth. And by the way I’m sure you realize that there will be a great falling away from the truth that is found in the Bible only.


19 posted on 05/23/2026 2:16:32 PM PDT by Ebony
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To: dfwgator

Martin Sheen took his acting name “Sheen” from Bishop Sheen.


thx


20 posted on 05/23/2026 2:18:04 PM PDT by Liz (Winston Churchill: “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.”)
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