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 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 10 May 1934 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 11, 1908 Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Died | Script error: The function "death_date_and_age" does not exist. Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Previous post | 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 National 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 attend Cathedral Preparatory School 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 later died at age 81.
References
| 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 Michael Joseph Murphy |
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