Daniel Francis Feehan

Daniel Feehan was born on September 24, 1855, in Athol, Massachusetts, to William and Joanna (née Foley) Feehan.[1] When he was a young child, his family moved to Millbury, Massachusetts. Feehan attended public schools in Millbury, where he befriended future US President William Howard Taft.[2]

Feehan completed his classical and philosophical studies at St. Mary's College in Montreal, Quebec, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1876.[3] He then studied theology at St. Joseph's Seminary in Troy, New York, for three years.[4]

Feehan was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts by Bishop Francis McNeirny on December 29, 1879.[5] His first assignment was as a curate at St. Bernard's Parish in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where he remained for seven years.[1] He then served as pastor of St. Luke's Parish in West Boylston, Massachusetts (1886–89).[3] In 1889, he returned to St. Bernard's, serving there rector until 1907.[2]

On July 2, 1907, Feehan was appointed the second bishop of the Diocese of Fall River by Pope Pius X.[5] He received his episcopal consecration on September 19, 1907, from Bishop Thomas Beaven, with Bishops Matthew Harkins and Michael Tierney serving as co-consecrators.[5] During his 27-year tenure, he became known as the "Benevolent Bishop" and established thirty-six parishes.[2]

In January 1934, Pope Pius IX named the Reverend James Edwin Cassidy as coadjutor bishop of the diocese to serve as Feehan's assistant and successor.[6]

Daniel Feehan died on July 19, 1934, at age 78.[5] Bishop Feehan High School, a parochial school in Attleboro, Massachusetts, was named after him when it opened in 1961.