Joseph Abel Francis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Joseph A. Francis SVD |
|
|---|---|
| Auxiliary Bishop emeritus of Newark | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| See | Titular See of Valliposita |
| Appointed | May 3, 1976 |
| In Office | June 25, 1976 – June 30, 1995 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | October 7, 1950 |
| Consecration | June 25, 1976 by Peter Leo Gerety |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 30, 1923 Lafayette, Louisiana, US |
| Died | September 1, 1997 (aged 73) |
Joseph Abel Francis Jr. (1923–1997) was an American Catholic bishop. He was a member of the SVD. He served as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark from 1976 to 1995.
Life and Church Service
Joseph Francis was born on September 30, 1923. His hometown was Lafayette, Louisiana. He was the brother of Norman Francis.
He became a priest on October 7, 1950. He was part of the Society of the Divine Word.
On May 3, 1976, Pope Paul VI chose him for an important role. He was named the Titular Bishop of Valliposita. This meant he was also an Auxiliary Bishop of Newark. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of an archdiocese.
He officially became a bishop on June 25, 1976. Archbishop Peter Leo Gerety led this special ceremony. Other bishops, like Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Aloysius Boland and Auxiliary Bishop Harold Robert Perry, also took part.
Bishop Francis continued his work as an auxiliary bishop. He served until June 30, 1995. On that day, Pope John Paul II accepted his resignation.
He passed away on September 1, 1997. He was 73 years old.
