Francis Quinn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency, The Most Reverend Francis Anthony Quinn
Bishop of Sacramento
Quinn in November 2004
Archdiocese	San Francisco
Diocese	Sacramento
Appointed	December 18, 1979
Enthroned	February 18, 1980
Reign ended	November 30, 1993
Predecessor	Alden John Bell
Successor	William Weigand
Orders
Ordination	June 15, 1946
Consecration	June 29, 1978 by John R. Quinn, Joseph Thomas McGucken, and William Joseph McDonald
Personal details
Born	(1921-09-11)September 11, 1921 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died	March 21, 2019(2019-03-21) (aged 97) Sacramento, California, U.S.
Previous post	Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco

Styles of Francis Anthony Quinn
Reference style	His Excellency The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Excellency
Religious style	Bishop

Francis Anthony Quinn (born September 11, 1921 – died March 21, 2019) was an important leader in the Catholic Church in America. He served as the Bishop of the Sacramento Diocese from 1980 to 1993.

Early Life and Education

Francis Anthony Quinn was born in Los Angeles, California. He attended St. Joseph’s Seminary to study for the priesthood. On June 15, 1946, he became a priest for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

He continued his education, earning a master's degree in education from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1947. Later, in 1962, he received a doctorate in education from the University of California, Berkeley.

Before becoming a bishop, Quinn worked as a teacher at Serra High School. He also served as a counselor at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco. In 1955, he became an assistant superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. He was also an editor for the San Francisco Monitor newspaper in 1962. In 1970, he was appointed pastor of St. Gabriel’s Church.

Becoming a Bishop

On June 29, 1978, Francis Quinn was made an auxiliary bishop for San Francisco by Pope Paul VI. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of a diocese.

Then, on December 18, 1979, he was chosen to be the seventh bishop of the Sacramento Diocese. He officially began his role on February 18, 1980.

His Time as Bishop

During his time as Bishop of Sacramento, from 1980 to 1992, many new things happened. Seven new churches, several missions, two elementary schools, and one high school were started.

Bishop Quinn also created a 10-year plan for the diocese and a spiritual renewal program. He reorganized the church's local areas called deaneries. He also started a diocesan pastoral council, which helps guide the church's activities. During his leadership, the diocese celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Bishop Quinn was known for encouraging women to take on leadership roles in the church. He supported them in areas like church management, education, worship, finances, and social work. He also inspired regular church members to learn more and become leaders in various groups.

He was a strong supporter of social justice. He helped launch a special home for people with AIDS. He also spoke out against the death penalty, nuclear weapons, and unfair immigration rules. He cared deeply about human rights and helping the poor.

Bishop Quinn High School in Palo Cedro, California, was named in his honor. However, it closed in 2008 due to low student numbers.

Bishop Francis Quinn greets guests after the opening of the cause for beatification ceremony for Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, 2004.

Retirement and Later Life

Bishop Quinn retired in 1993. After retiring, he spent several years living with the Yaqui people in Arizona.

In 2007, he returned to the Sacramento Diocese. He lived at Mercy McMahon Terrace, a home for seniors run by the Sisters of Mercy. Even in retirement, he continued to be an activist for social justice and human rights, especially for those in need.

Francis Anthony Quinn passed away on March 21, 2019, at the age of 97. When he died, he was the oldest living bishop in the United States.

See also

Episcopal succession