This is a picture of me in Canada visiting Montreal.
It seems that in order to talk about the history of Catholicism in Alabama, we have to first start in Canada.
Confused yet? 
Long, long ago, it was a dark and stormy night…oops, wrong intro. 
Long ago, Alabama was explored by the Spanish and French. Catholicism was introduced at this time. The Spanish explorer, De Soto, even found his way into the area that would become Alabama. Most of the people that were originally settling in Alabama were from France and as you, will hopefully remember from school, a large swath of what would become the United States was claimed by the French.
In 1702, a permanent community was established in Mobile. Then, in 1703, the bishop of the Diocese of Quebec, way up there in Canada, “established the first Catholic parish in what would become Alabama.” This parish came under his jurisdiction.
“When the Mississippi Territory (which included Alabama) became part of the United States, Bishop John Carroll of Baltimore assumed control over Catholic life in the area.” Alabama would not become its own state until 1819.
Then in 1829, the Diocese of Mobile was formed and it covered all of Alabama and some surrounding areas. The first bishop was a native of France, Michael Portier.
There’s more Catholic history to share about this new state that I’m living in, so stay tuned!
Have a blessed Monday!
