Alfred Michael Watson
Alfred Michael Watson | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Erie | |
 | |
| Church | Roman Catholic |
| See | Erie |
| In office | 17 March 1969 – 16 July 1982 |
| Predecessor | John Francis Whealon |
| Successor | Michael Joseph Murphy[1] |
| Previous post | Auxiliary Bishop of Erie |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 10 May 1934 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 11, 1908 |
| Died | January 4, 1990 (aged 81) |
| Coat of arms | |
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
[edit | edit source]Watson was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and ordained a priest on May 10, 1934.[2] On May 17, 1965, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Erie and Titular Bishop of Nationa by Pope Paul VI.[2] 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.[2] 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.[2] He was accused of being too slow to implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, and met considerable opposition from the diocesan clergy.[3] During his tenure, he ordained 88 priests, but was forced to close or merge several Catholic schools.[3]
After breaking his hip and undergoing surgery,[3] he retired on July 16, 1982.[2] He died 9 years later at age 81.
References
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