The 272

In this compelling account, Rachel L. Swarns traces nearly two centuries of the Mahoney family’s history, revealing how the Catholic Church in the United States relied on enslaved labor and sales to fund its expansion—culminating in the 1838 sale of 272 enslaved individuals to support Georgetown University. Through the story of Ann Joice and her descendants, the book uncovers the church’s deep entanglement with slavery and highlights ongoing efforts for reparations and reconciliation. This narrative offers a provocative look at the historical roots of the church’s involvement in American slavery and its lasting legacy.