Penulis: John Lancaster Spalding

John Lancaster Spalding (1840-1916) was a prominent American bishop, educator, and author, remembered for his significant contributions to Catholic education and American intellectual life. Born in Lebanon, Kentucky, Spalding was ordained in 1863 and became the first bishop of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois. A strong advocate for Catholic education, Spalding believed deeply in its power to shape character and citizenship, a principle he eloquently defended and promoted through his writings and speeches. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. One of his most influential works, “Education and the Higher Life” (1891), illustrates his conviction that education should seek not just the impartation of knowledge, but the cultivation of virtue and the development of an individual”s moral and spiritual potential. In this book, Spalding contended that the true purpose of education is to prepare individuals for the “higher life, ” emphasizing the importance of intellectual and emotional development alongside spiritual growth. His literary style, often reflective and infused with moral philosophy, sought to persuade and inspire readers toward personal improvement and societal betterment. Through his writings, Spalding left an indelible mark on the landscape of American Catholic thought and education, earning respect as a scholar and educator who viewed learning as a lifelong journey and a fundamental pathway to human fulfillment.