Edmund Gibbons
Edmund Francis Gibbons was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Albany in New York State from 1919 to 1954.
Biography
Edmund Gibbons was born on September 16, 1868, in White Plains, New [York (state)|New York], to Irish immigrants James and Joanna Gibbons. His father was a stonecutter who helped build the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York.Gibbons first attended Niagara College in Lewiston, New York. Deciding to become a priest, he the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels at Niagara College. He later continued his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Priesthood
Gibbons was ordained to the priesthood in Rome for the Diocese of Buffalo on May 27, 1893, by Cardinal Lucido Maria Parocchi. After his ordination, Bishop Stephen V. Ryan appointed Gibbons as his personal secretary. He was named superintendent of Catholic schools in the diocese in 1900. Four years later, he also became pastor of St. Vincent's Parish in [Attica (village), New York|Attica, New York.] Gibbons was transferred in 1916 to St. Teresa's Parish in Buffalo.Bishop of Albany
On March 10, 1919, Gibbons was appointed the sixth bishop of Albany by Pope Benedict XV. He received his episcopal consecration on March 25, 1919, from Archbishop Giovanni Bonzano, with Bishops John Grimes and Thomas Walsh serving as co-consecrators. In 1934, Gibbons served as chair of the New York State Catholic Welfare Committee. He also established The College of Saint Rose in Albany, Siena College in Loudonville, New York, Mater Christi Seminary, 22 high schools, 82 grade schools, and the diocesan newspaper, The Evangelist.On May 27, 1953, Gibbons celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination. As the oldest living bishop, he was dean of the American hierarchy.