Alfred Michael Watson

Alfred Michael Watson (July 11, 1908 – January 4, 1990) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania (1969–1982).

Alfred Michael Watson
Bishop emeritus of Erie
Church	Roman Catholic
See	Erie
In office	17 March 1969 – 16 July 1982
Predecessor	John Francis Whealon
Successor	Michael Joseph Murphy
Orders
Ordination	10 May 1934
Personal details
Born	(1908-07-11)July 11, 1908 Erie, Pennsylvania
Died	January 4, 1990(1990-01-04) (aged 81) Erie, Pennsylvania
Previous post	Auxiliary Bishop of Erie

Biography

Watson was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and ordained a priest on May 10, 1934.[1] On May 17, 1965, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Erie and Titular Bishop of Nationa by Pope Paul VI.[1] He received his episcopal consecration on the following June 29 from Cardinal John Krol, with Bishop John Selby Spence and Joseph Francis Donnelly serving as co-consecrators.[1] Watson attended Cathedral Preparatory School.

Following the promotion of John Francis Whealon to Archbishop of Hartford in 1968, Watson was named Bishop of Erie on March 17, 1969.[1] He was accused of being too slow to implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, and met considerable opposition from the diocesan clergy.[2] During his tenure, he ordained 88 priests, but was forced to close or merge several Catholic schools.[2]

After breaking his hip and undergoing surgery,[2] he retired on July 16, 1982.[1] He later died at age 81.

References

1. "Bishop Alfred Michael Watson". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.
2. "About the Diocese (1969-1990): Bishop Alfred M. Watson and Bishop Murphy". Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. Archived from the original on 2009-07-06.

Catholic Church titles
New title	— TITULAR — Bishop of National 1965 – 1969	Vacant Title next held by Francisco Claver
Preceded by John Francis Whealon	Bishop of Erie 1969 – 1982	Succeeded by Michael Joseph Murphy