Fr. William Saunders to Talk about “The History of the Church in Colonial Maryland and Virginia” on Oct. 21, 2025

Journey with Msgr. William Saunders, pastor of Saint Agnes Church in Arlington and former parochial vicar at Saint Mary (1984–1988), through the early colonial period when Maryland was established as a colony where everyone had religious freedom.

He will be giving a talk entitled “The History of the Church in Colonial Maryland and Virginia” on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in our Lyceum Auditorium, 313 Duke Street. Learn how Catholics eventually crossed the Potomac River to settle, despite the official laws prohibiting the Catholic faith.  Experience the trials these faithful Catholics endured until the time of the American Revolution, when religious freedom was finally granted throughout the colonies.  This is the story of the roots of our own diocese and parish. Moreover, the lessons of the past will help us as we navigate the age in which we live.