Francis Xavier Gartland - A Stan Klos Biography
GARTLAND,
Francis Xavier, R. C. bishop, born in Dublin, Ireland,
in 1805; died in Savannah, Georgia, 20 September, 1854. He received both his
classical and theological training at St. Mary's College, Emmettsburg, and was
ordained priest by Bishop Connell in Philadelphia, in 1832. He was immediately
afterward appointed assistant to Father (afterward Archbishop) Hughes at St.
John's Church, Philadelphia, and succeeded him as pastor after his nomination to
be coadjutor-bishop of New York.
In 1845 he was appointed vicar-general
and aided the bishop in his administrative duties. He laid the corner-stone of
several Churches while with Bishop Kenrick. On the erection of the new see of
Savannah, in 1849, Dr. Gartland was nominated its first bishop, but, owing to
the Roman revolution and the flight of Plus IX, the pontifical briefs for his
consecration did not reach Baltimore until 9 August, 1850. He was consecrated
bishop at St. John's Church, Philadelphia, on 10 September, by Archbishop
Eccleson.
Although the resources of the new diocese
were very limited, he at once entered strenuously on the work before him. He
visited every part of his see repeatedly and enlarged the cathedral of St. John
the Baptist, which he re-dedicated, 26 June, 1853. He erected three new
Churches, created as many missions, increased the number of his clergy, and
established numerous societies and fraternities. Among the institutions with
which he endowed his diocese were the Orphan asylum for boys established in
Savannah, and the Society of Our Lady Help of Christians. He also established
day-schools and Christian doctrine-schools in various places.
When Savannah was desolated by the yellow
fever in 1854 he went from house to house administering the sacraments. At last
he was attacked by the disease, and conveyed to the house of a friend, who cared
for him until his death. Bishop Gartland traveled extensively in the northern
states the year after his consecration, and visited his native country in the
interests of his diocese. He also took part in the deliberations of the eighth
council of Baltimore.
Edited Appletons Encyclopedia by John Looby, Copyright © 2001
StanKlos.comTM
GARTLAND, Francis Xavier, R. C. bishop, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1805 ; died in Savannah, Georgia, 20 September, 1854. He received both his classical and theological training at St. Mary's College, Emmetts-burg, and was ordained priest by Bishop Connell in Philadelphia, in 1832. He was immediately afterward appointed assistant to Father (afterward Archbishop) Hughes at St. John's Church, Philadelphia, and succeeded him as pastor after his nomination to be coadjutor-bishop of New York. In 1845 he was appointed vicar-general and aided the bishop in his administrative duties. He laid the corner-stone of several Churches while with Bishop Kenrick. On the erection of the new see of Savannah, in 1849, Dr. Gartland was nominated its first bishop, but, owing to the Roman revolution and the flight of Plus IX., the pontifical briefs for his consecration did not reach Baltimore until 9 August, 1850. He was consecrated bishop at St. John's Church, Philadelphia, on 10 September, by Archbishop Eccleson. Although the resources of the new diocese were very limited, he at once entered strenuously on the work before him. He visited every part of his see repeatedly and enlarged the cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which he re-dedicated, 26 June, 1853. He erected three new Churches, created as many missions, increased the number of his clergy, and established numerous societies and fraternities. Among the institutions with which he endowed his diocese were the Orphan asylum for boys established in Savannah, and the Society of Our Lady Help of Christians. He also established day-schools and Christian doctrine-schools in various places. When Savannah was desolated by the yellow fever in 1854 he went from house to house administering the sacraments. At last he was attacked by the disease, and conveyed to the house of a friend, who eared for him until his death. Bishop Gartland traveled extensively in the northern states the year after his consecration, and visited his native country in the interests of his diocese. He also took part in the deliberations of the eighth council of Baltimore.
