James Augustine McFaul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Excellency, The Most Reverend James Augustine McFaul |
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| Bishop of Trenton | |
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| See | Diocese of Trenton |
| Appointed | July 20, 1894 |
| Predecessor | Michael J. O'Farrell |
| Successor | Thomas Walsh |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | May 26, 1877 |
| Consecration | October 18, 1894 by Michael Corrigan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 6, 1850 Larne, County Antrim, Ireland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Died | June 16, 1917 (aged 67) Trenton, New Jersey, US |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Parents | James McFaul & Mary Hefferman |
| Education | St. Francis Xavier College Saint Vincent College Seton Hall College |
| Signature |  |
James Augustine McFaul (born June 6, 1850 – died June 16, 1917) was an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church. He was born in Ireland and later became a bishop in the United States. From 1894 until he passed away in 1917, he was the bishop of the Diocese of Trenton in New Jersey.
The Life of James McFaul
His Early Years
James McFaul was born on June 6, 1850, in a town called Larne in Ireland. His parents were James and Mary McFaul. When James was just a baby, his family moved to the United States. They lived in New York City for four years before settling down in Bound Brook, New Jersey.
As a young boy, James helped on his father's farm. When he was 15, he started working as a clerk (someone who helps customers and manages goods) at a country store near Bound Brook.
James wanted to become a lawyer. He studied at Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania from 1867 to 1871. He then finished his advanced studies at St. Francis Xavier College in New York City in 1873. After that, he decided to study theology, which is the study of religious faith, at Seton Hall College in New Jersey.
Becoming a Priest
On May 26, 1877, James McFaul became a priest. He was ordained by Archbishop Michael Corrigan. After becoming a priest, he worked as a curate (a priest who helps the main priest) at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Newark until 1879.
He then moved to St. Mary's Cathedral in Trenton. In 1882, he became the private secretary to Bishop Michael J. O'Farrell. Two years later, in 1884, he became the pastor (the main priest) of the Church of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish in Long Branch.
In October 1890, McFaul returned to St. Mary's Cathedral as its rector, which means he was in charge of the cathedral. He had also served as Bishop O'Farrell's secretary and the chancellor (a high-ranking official) of the diocese. On November 1, 1892, Bishop O'Farrell appointed him as vicar general, a very important assistant role. When Bishop O'Farrell passed away in April 1894, McFaul was chosen by the Holy See (the Pope's office in Rome) to be the temporary leader of the diocese. This role is called an apostolic administrator.
Serving as Bishop of Trenton
On July 20, 1894, Pope Leo XIII chose James McFaul to be the second bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. He officially became a bishop on October 18, 1894. Archbishop Corrigan, who had ordained him as a priest, also led the ceremony to make him a bishop.
As bishop, James McFaul worked hard to build up the Catholic community in New Jersey. He helped to create many new churches, schools, and other important places. These included an orphanage (a home for children without parents) in Hopewell, a home for senior citizens in Lawrenceville, and Mount St. Mary's College in Plainfield. He was also a key person in starting the American Federation of Catholic Societies, which brought together many Catholic groups.
Bishop James McFaul passed away at his home in Trenton on June 16, 1917. He was 67 years old.
