Francis Joseph Magner

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Francis Joseph Magner (March 18, 1887 – June 13, 1947) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Marquette from 1941 to 1947.

Early life and education[]

Francis Magner was born in Wilmington, Illinois, to James and Margaret (née Follen) Magner.[1] He was the third of eight children; one sister, Elizabeth, joined the Sisters of Mercy and one brother, James, also became a priest and served as a professor at the Catholic University of America.[2] His father, who worked as a farmer and later became a merchant, also served as a city commissioner and alderman.[2]

After graduating from St. Ignatius College in Chicago, Magner attended St. Mary's College in Kansas.[1] He continued his studies in Rome at the Pontifical North American College.[1] He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Propaganda in 1909, and a bachelor's degree in canon law from Apollinarus University in 1911.[3]

Priesthood[]

While in Rome, Magner was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 17, 1913.[4] His first assignment, following his return to Illinois, was as a curate at St. Mary Nativity Church in Joliet.[5] He later served in the same capacity at St. Pius V Church and St. Mel Church, both in Chicago, and at St. Francis Xavier Church in Wilmette.[5] He then served as pastor of St. James Church in Highwood (1924–27) and of St. Mary Church in Evanston (1927–41).[1] He was named a monsignor in 1939.[3]

Episcopacy[]

On December 21, 1940, Magner was appointed the seventh Bishop of Marquette, Michigan, by Pope Pius XII.[4] He received his episcopal consecration on February 24, 1941, from Archbishop Samuel Stritch, with Bishops Eugene J. McGuinness and William O'Brien serving as co-consecrators, at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.[4] His installation took place at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette on the following March 20.[6]

During his six-year tenure, Magner provided attention to the mission parishes of the diocese, established the diocesan newspaper, promoted U.S. Laymen's Retreat Association, and created seven catechetical schools.[6] He died after a long illness in Marquette, at age 60.[3] He is buried in the crypt of St. Peter Cathedral.[6]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d Curtis, Georgina Pell (1947). The American Catholic Who's Who. Vol. VII. Grosse Pointe, MI: Walter Romig.
  2. ^ a b "Magner Genealogy". Clan Magner Association.
  3. ^ a b c "BISHOP F.J. MAGNER OF MARQUETTE, MICH". The New York Times. 1947-06-14.
  4. ^ a b c Cheney, David M. "Bishop Francis Joseph Magner". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.
  5. ^ a b "EVANSTON PRIEST NAMED BISHOP OF MARQUETTE, MICH". Chicago Tribune. 1940-12-24.
  6. ^ a b c "12 bishops have led the diocesan church". Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette. 2007-07-20.
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