Eugene Antonio Marino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Eugene Antonio Marino SSJ |
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|---|---|
| Archbishop emeritus of Atlanta | |
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| See | Atlanta |
| Enthroned | May 5, 1988 |
| Reign ended | July 10, 1990 |
| Predecessor | Thomas Andrew Donnellan |
| Successor | James Patterson Lyke, OFM |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | June 9, 1962 |
| Consecration | September 12, 1974 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 29, 1934 Biloxi, Mississippi |
| Died | November 12, 2000 (aged 66) Manhasset, New York |
| Previous post | Auxiliary Bishop of Washington (1974–88) |
| Alma mater | Epiphany Apostolic College |
| Coat of arms |  |
Eugene Antonio Marino (May 29, 1934 – November 12, 2000) was an American Catholic leader. He made history by becoming the first African American archbishop. He served as the Archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia from 1988 to 1990.
Before this, he was also the first African American auxiliary bishop in Washington, D.C.. He was also the first African American to be a secretary for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. During his time as archbishop, he worked to improve the church. He later resigned and continued to help others as a chaplain and counselor until his death in 2000.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Eugene Antonio Marino was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on May 29, 1934. He was the sixth of eight children. His father, Jesús María Marino, was a Puerto Rican baker. His mother, Lottie Irene Bradford Marino, was an African American maid.
Eugene went to Catholic schools in Biloxi. Later, he joined the Josephites, a group of priests. He studied at Epiphany Apostolic College in New York. He also earned a master's degree from St. Joseph's Seminary in Washington, DC. He got another master's degree in religious education from Fordham University in The Bronx. He became a priest in 1962.
Priesthood and Leadership
After becoming a priest, Marino taught religion and science. He taught at Epiphany College in Newburgh, NY for seven years. From 1968 to 1971, he was a spiritual guide at St. Joseph's Seminary. Then, he became a top leader for the Josephites.
Becoming a Bishop
On September 12, 1974, Marino became an auxiliary bishop for the Washington archdiocese. He was the first of four African Americans to hold this important role. In 1985, he became the secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This made him the first African American to hold that position too.
In 1987, he helped organize a trip for African American Catholics. They went to meet Pope John Paul II. During a talk with them, he shared his feelings:
Up as a young boy in Mississippi, with the double—I was going to say handicap, but I'll say blessing—of being black and Catholic, I never thought I would see the day when I would be standing here preaching God's holy word in this place, as a priest, indeed as a bishop. Generations of black Catholics never lived to see a black priest or sister, let alone ever dream that their son or daughter might become one.
Marino became the Archbishop of Atlanta in 1988. He was the first African American to be an archbishop. He worked to address issues within the church. In 1990, he resigned from his role as archbishop due to personal challenges.
Later Life and Death
After resigning, Marino continued to serve the church. He worked as a chaplain and counselor. He helped other priests and nuns with their personal problems.
On November 12, 2000, Eugene Antonio Marino passed away. He was 66 years old. He died from a heart attack at St. Ignatius Retreat House in Manhasset, New York. He was working at Salesian High School in New Rochelle, New York at the time. He was buried in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was survived by one brother and four sisters.
