Alfred Michael Watson

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Alfred Michael Watson
Bishop emeritus of Erie
ChurchRoman Catholic
SeeErie
In office17 March 1969 – 16 July 1982
PredecessorJohn Francis Whealon
SuccessorMichael Joseph Murphy
Orders
Ordination10 May 1934
Personal details
Born(1908-07-11)July 11, 1908
Erie, Pennsylvania
DiedJanuary 4, 1990(1990-01-04) (aged 81)
Erie, Pennsylvania
Previous post(s)Auxiliary Bishop of Erie

Alfred Michael Watson (July 11, 1908 – January 4, 1990) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania (1969–1982).

Biography[]

Watson was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and ordained a priest on May 10, 1934.[1] On May 17, 1965, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Erie and Titular Bishop of Nationa by Pope Paul VI.[1] He received his episcopal consecration on the following June 29 from Cardinal John Krol, with Bishop John Selby Spence and Joseph Francis Donnelly serving as co-consecrators.[1] Watson attended Cathedral Preparatory School.

Following the promotion of John Francis Whealon to Archbishop of Hartford in 1968, Watson was named Bishop of Erie on March 17, 1969.[1] He was accused of being too slow to implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, and met considerable opposition from the diocesan clergy.[2] During his tenure, he ordained 88 priests, but was forced to close or merge several Catholic schools.[2]

After breaking his hip and undergoing surgery,[2] he retired on July 16, 1982.[1] He died 9 years later at age 81.

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Bishop Alfred Michael Watson". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.[self-published source]
  2. ^ a b c "About the Diocese (1969-1990): Bishop Alfred M. Watson and Bishop Murphy". Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. Archived from the original on 2009-07-06.
Catholic Church titles
New title — TITULAR —
Bishop of National
1965–1969 		Vacant
Title next held by
Francisco Claver
Preceded by Bishop of Erie
1969–1982 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from ""