James Joseph Sweeney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend James Joseph Sweeney |
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| Bishop of Honolulu | |
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| Appointed | 20 May 1941 |
| In Office | 1941–1968 |
| Predecessor | Stephen Alencastre |
| Successor | John Joseph Scanlan |
| Other posts | Titular Bishop of Vicus Aterii |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 24 June 1925 |
| Consecration | 25 July 1941 by John Joseph Mitty |
| Rank | Bishop |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 19, 1898 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Died | June 20, 1968 (aged 70) San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Buried | Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma |
| Denomination | Christianity |
| Styles of James Joseph Sweeney |
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| Reference style | The Most Reverend |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
| Religious style | Monsignor |
| Posthumous style | none |
James Joseph Sweeney (born June 19, 1898 – died June 19, 1968) was an important leader in the Catholic Church in America. He became the very first Bishop of Honolulu in 1941 and served in that role until he passed away in 1968.
Contents
Biography of Bishop Sweeney
James Joseph Sweeney was born in San Francisco, California. His parents were John Joseph and Catherine Sweeney.
Early Life and Education
Young James went to St. James Boys School from 1907 to 1913. After that, he continued his studies at Saint Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park. This is where he trained to become a priest.
Becoming a Priest and Bishop
On June 24, 1925, James Sweeney became a priest for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Archbishop Edward Hanna led the ceremony at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption.
He worked as an assistant pastor until 1931. Then, he became the director for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in his archdiocese. In 1929, Pope Pius XI gave him the special title of "Right Reverend Monsignor."
On May 20, 1941, Father Sweeney was chosen to be the first bishop of the new Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. He officially became a bishop on July 25 of that year. Bishop Sweeney guided the Honolulu diocese through big events like World War II and when Hawaii became a U.S. state.
Later Life and Legacy
Bishop Sweeney passed away on his 70th birthday in 1968, in San Francisco. His funeral was held at his home church, Saint Paul, in San Francisco. As he wished, he was buried with his parents in a family crypt at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California.
