Cushwa Center // University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s Cushwa Center brings together scholars from a variety of disciplines to interpret the American Catholic experience.

Gender, Sex, and Power

A team of researchers are studying the history of clergy sex abuse.

Learn More

History of Women Religious

Cushwa sponsors conferences and research on Catholic vowed women.

Learn More

Research Grants and Awards

Apply by December 31 to one of Cushwa's five funding programs.

Apply

American Catholic Studies Newsletter

48.2 (Fall 2021)

Read and Subscribe

Latest News

The ‘priestly’ duchess and the lay foundations of the American church

Published: October 11, 2021

Author: Bronwen McShea

Drawing on recent research supported by a Guerin Grant from the Cushwa Center, Bronwen McShea surveys the life of Marie de Vignerot, the Duchesse d'Aiguillon (1604–1675), and her significance for the early founding of the Catholic Church in the Americas.