Martin John Spalding

Biography

Martin John Spalding, born in 1810, rose from the frontier of Kentucky to become Archbishop of Baltimore, leading the American church through the Civil War and Reconstruction. His pastoral letters emphasized unity, the dignity of labor, and the importance of Catholic education.

He founded schools, supported the training of priests, and worked tirelessly to heal divisions among Catholics and the wider public, leaving a legacy of thoughtful leadership honored at the Basilica and beyond.