James Patterson Lyke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend James Patterson Lyke OFM |
|
|---|---|
| Archbishop of Atlanta | |
| See | Atlanta |
| Enthroned | June 24, 1991 |
| Reign ended | December 27, 1992 |
| Predecessor | Eugene Antonio Marino |
| Successor | John Francis Donoghue |
| Other posts | Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland (1979–1990) Apostolic Administrator of Atlanta (1990–1991) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | June 24, 1966 |
| Consecration | August 1, 1979 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 18, 1939 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | December 27, 1992 (aged 53) Atlanta, Georgia |
| Buried | Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Coat of arms |  |
James Patterson Lyke (born February 18, 1939 – died December 27, 1992) was an African-American leader in the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Franciscan order, known as O.F.M. From 1991 to 1992, he served as the Archbishop of Atlanta. He was only the second Black archbishop in the United States.
Contents
The Life of Archbishop James Lyke
Early Years and Family
James Lyke was born on February 18, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on the city's South Side. He was the youngest of seven children born to Amos and Ora Lyke. His father left the family, and his mother raised the children in poor conditions. She relied on welfare checks to support them. The family first lived in a flat with no beds and only a coal stove for heat. Later, they moved to Wentworth Gardens, a public housing project in Chicago.
Becoming Catholic
James's mother was a Baptist. She sent James to a Catholic school when he was in fourth grade. This was to help him stay out of trouble. To pay for his schooling, she did laundry for the church. Soon after, she and six of her children, including James, decided to become Catholic.
Joining Religious Life
In 1959, James joined the Franciscan order. He studied at St. Francis Novitiate in Teutopolis, Illinois. He later earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Our Lady of Angels House of Philosophy. This was through Quincy College in Illinois. He then received a master's degree in divinity from St. Joseph Theological Seminary in Teutopolis.
Becoming a Bishop
Pope John Paul II chose James Lyke to be an Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland. This happened on June 30, 1979. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of a diocese. He also earned a Ph.D. in theology in 1981. This degree was from the Union Graduate School in Cincinnati, Ohio.
While serving as a bishop in Cleveland, Lyke led a group that created an important book. This book was called Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. It was published in 1987.
Archbishop of Atlanta
On July 10, 1990, James Lyke was given a special role. He became the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. This happened after the previous archbishop left. On April 30, 1991, he was officially named the Archbishop of Atlanta. He began his service there on June 24, 1991.
His Passing
Archbishop Lyke passed away from cancer on December 27, 1992. At the time of his death, he was the highest-ranking Black Catholic clergyman in the United States.
Archbishop Lyke's Legacy
Many places and groups have been named in memory of Archbishop Lyke. These include:
- Archbishop Lyke Catholic Elementary School in Cleveland: In 1994, two predominantly African-American Catholic parishes in Cleveland merged their schools. They created Archbishop Lyke Elementary. It has two campuses, with younger students at one and older students at the other.
- Archbishop Lyke Conference: This is a special meeting for Black Catholics focused on worship and church practices. It is held every year in a different major city. Before the main conference, there are smaller meetings about preaching, music, dance, and young adults.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms of Archbishop James Patterson Lyke.
See also
In Spanish: James Patterson Lyke para niños
