John Walsh (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Grace John Walsh |
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|---|---|
| Archbishop of Toronto | |
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| Diocese | Archdiocese of Toronto |
| Enthroned | 25 July 1889 |
| Reign ended | 30 July 1898 |
| Predecessor | John Joseph Lynch |
| Successor | Denis T. O'Connor |
| Other posts | Bishop of London, Ontario |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1 November 1854 |
| Consecration | 10 November 1867 by Charles-François Baillargeon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 24, 1830 Mooncoin, County Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Died | July 30, 1898 (aged 68) Toronto, Ontario |
| Buried | St. Michael's Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
John Walsh (born May 24, 1830 – died July 30, 1898) was an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church in Canada. He served as the Archbishop of Toronto from 1889 until he passed away in 1898.
Early Life and Studies
John Walsh was born in Mooncoin, a small town in Ireland, on May 24, 1830. He went to college in Ireland at St. John's College, Waterford. In 1852, he moved to Canada to continue his studies. He attended the Saint-Sulpice Seminary in Montreal.
In 1854, John Walsh became a priest in Toronto. He was ordained by Bishop Armand-François-Marie de Charbonnel at St. Michael's Cathedral. On his way to Toronto that summer, he became very sick. This illness affected his health for the rest of his life.
Early Church Roles
After becoming a priest, Father Walsh worked as a pastor in Brock. In April 1857, he became the parish priest of St. Mary’s Church in Toronto. This church was started by Irish immigrants in 1852. A year later, he moved to St. Paul's Church.
In 1860, Walsh was made the rector, or head priest, of the Cathedral. However, he decided to return to St. Mary's in 1861. From April 1862, he also served as the Vicar General of the Archdiocese. This meant he was a main helper to the Archbishop. In 1864, he traveled to Rome for church business. He also toured Europe and spent some time in Ireland.
Bishop of London, Ontario
In November 1867, John Walsh became the Bishop of Sandwich, Ontario. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the church who oversees a specific area called a diocese. Two years later, he moved the main office of the diocese back to London, Ontario. He also got permission from Rome to officially change the diocese's name back to London.
He served as the Bishop of London, Ontario until 1889. During his time there, he worked hard to pay off the diocese's large debts. He also started the building of St. Peter's Cathedral. This beautiful church was designed by a famous architect named Joseph Connolly.
Archbishop of Toronto
In August 1889, Bishop Walsh was chosen to be the Archbishop of Toronto. An Archbishop is a very important leader who oversees several dioceses. He officially took on this role on November 27, 1889.
During his time as Archbishop, he started several important projects. He opened the Sacred Heart Orphanage at Sunnyside. He also established St. John's Industrial School for Boys. He bought land for a new burial ground, Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery. This was needed because St. Michael's was almost full. Archbishop Walsh also invited French-speaking priests from Quebec to work in French-speaking churches in Kent and Essex counties.
John Walsh passed away in Toronto in 1898. He is buried at St. Michael's Cathedral, Toronto.
