The Cross and the Shamrock Or, How To Defend The Faith. An Irish-American Catholic Tale Of Real Life, Descriptive Of The Temptations, Sufferings, Trials, And Triumphs Of The Children Of St. Patrick In The Great Republic Of Washington. A Book For The Entertainment And Special Instructions Of The Catholic Male And Female Servants Of The United States.

"The Cross and the Shamrock" by Hugh Quigley is a 19th-century story about the O'Clery family's journey from Ireland to America. It reveals the hardships faced by Irish Catholic immigrants and their unwavering faith. The story begins with a heavy heart as the widow O'Clery is dying, and amidst prayers and the arrival of Father O'Shane, her children, led by Paul, vow to keep her faith alive. This sets the stage for the challenges and tests, as the orphaned children navigate their new lives in America, holding onto their religion amidst loss and struggle.