[T]he narrative of Catholicism in one of the nation’s most historic states is an intriguing one. Fortunately, the Catholic story of Virginia has found a particularly worthy and comprehensive teller of its tale. Gerald P. Fogarty, S.J. is one of the most respected of American Catholic historians. In a clear, balanced style, Fogarty has woven a narrative that amply deals with bishops, clerics, religious and institutions while introducing the general reader to lay leadership; and he keeps a steady eye as well on the surrounding regional historical landscape. Commonwealth Catholicism is a treasure among a growing trove of recent excellent diocesan histories. Future American Catholic historians will clearly look to this as one of their models.” —American Catholic Studies
“Very highly recommended reading for students of American religious history in general, and the Catholic Church in particular, Commonwealth Catholicism is an impressive work of painstaking research, impeccable standards of scholarship, as well as a skilled and distinctive talent for narrative writing.” —Midwest Book Review
“In this authoritative narrative the author has left no stone unturned in his effort to describe a remarkable development that covered some four hundred years. This is truly magisterial work that could well serve as model in its comprehensive coverage and attention to detail.” —The Catholic Historical Review
“...a volume rich in information and insights...Fogarty offers a much-needed, comprehensive history of Virginia Catholicism. His thorough and detailed presentation deserves applause...This handsome volume includes sixteen pages of photographs which permit readers to connect names, faces and places. Virginia historians and Catholics will value Commonweath Catholicism as an essential resource for understanding the state’s past.” —Virginia Magazine of History and Biography
“In this excellent book, Gerald P. Fogerty gives us a definitive history of Roman Catholicism in Virginia and West Virginia from the colonial period to the mid 1970’s. This book represents an exceptional contribution to American religious history.” —Journal of American History
“Virginians will welcome Commonwealth Catholicism as an important addition to recent scholarship which depicts the South’s complex religious heritage. Forgarty offers a much needed, comprehensive history of Virginia Catholicism. His thorough and detailed presentation deserves applause...Virginia historians and Catholics will value Commonwealth Catholicism as an essential resource for understanding the state’s past.” —The Virginia Magazine
“[T]his is a massive, monumental work on American Catholicism. Not only well written and researched, it blazes the trail of Catholic historiography into a new frontier, the American South.” —Journal of Southern History