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
ChurchRoman Catholic
SeeErie
In office17 March 1969 – 16 July 1982
PredecessorJohn Francis Whealon
SuccessorMichael Joseph Murphy
Orders
Ordination10 May 1934
Personal details
Born(1908-07-11)July 11, 1908
Erie, Pennsylvania
DiedJanuary 4, 1990(1990-01-04) (aged 81)
Erie, Pennsylvania
Previous postAuxiliary 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.

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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
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