Bernard T. Espelage

Bernard Theodore Espelage, O.F.M. (February 16, 1892February 19, 1971) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first bishop of the Diocese of Gallup in New Mexico, serving from 1940 until 1969.


Bernard Theodore Espelage

O.F.M.
Bishop of Gallup
Titular Bishop of Penafiel
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
SeeDiocese of Gallup
SuccessorJerome J. Hastrich
Other post(s)Titular Bishop of Penafiel
Orders
OrdinationMay 16, 1918
ConsecrationOctober 9, 1940
by John T. McNicholas
Personal details
Born(1892-02-16)February 16, 1892
DiedFebruary 19, 1971(1971-02-19) (aged 79)
EducationCatholic University of America

Biography

Early life

Bernard Espelage was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Bernard and Clara (née Schottelkotte) Espelage.[1] He received his early education at parochial schools and Franciscan seminaries.[1] He was invested with the Franciscan habit on August 15, 1910, and made his profession as a member of the Franciscan Order on August 15, 1911.[1]

Priesthood

Espelage was ordained to the priesthood in Oldenburg, Indiana, on May 16, 1918.[2] He then served as a curate in Roswell, New Mexico, for a year before becoming chancellor of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in 1919.[1] In 1926, he earned a Licentiate of Canon Law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.[1] Espelage served as rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi (1934-1939) and then returned to Oldenburg, serving as pastor of Holy Family Parish (1939-1940).[1]

Bishop of Gallup

On July 20, 1940, Pope Pius XII appointed Espelage as the first bishop of the Diocese of Gallup.[2] He received his episcopal consecration on October 9, 1940. from Archbishop John T. McNicholas, with Bishop Joseph H. Albers and Archbishop Joseph Ritter serving as co-consecrators.[2] Espelage attended all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council in Rome between 1962 and 1965. During his 29-year-long tenure, he increased the number of Catholics from 30,000 to 79,260; priests from 32 to 108; and parishes from 17 to 53.[3]

Retirement and legacy

Espelage retired as Bishop of Gallup on August 25, 1969; he was named titular bishop of Penafiel by Pope Paul VI on the same date.[2] He later died at age 79.

References

  1. Curtis, Georgina Pell (1961). The American Catholic Who's Who. Vol. XIV. Grosse Pointe, Michigan: Walter Romig.
  2. "Bishop Bernard Theodore Espelage, O.F.M." Catholic-Hierarchy.org.
  3. "Diocese of Gallup History". Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup. Archived from the original on 2013-11-12.
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