11 Facts About Francis McNeirny

Francis McNeirny was an American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of Albany from 1877 until his death in 1894.

Francis S McNeirny was born in New York City, and received his early education at a private school run by a Mr Sparrow, a Catholic teacher.

Francis McNeirny graduated with distinction in 1849, and then made his theological studies at the Grand Seminary of Montreal.

Francis McNeirny then worked as a curate at St Patrick's Cathedral, and served Archbishop Hughes as his private secretary and master of ceremonies.

Francis McNeirny became chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York in 1857.

Francis McNeirny served as pastor of St Mary's Church in Rondout.

On December 22,1871, Francis McNeirny was appointed coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Albany and titular bishop of Rhesaina by Pope Pius IX.

Francis McNeirny received his episcopal consecration on April 21,1872, from Archbishop John McCloskey, with Bishops John Loughlin and David William Bacon serving as co-consecrators, in St Patrick's Cathedral.

Francis McNeirny was charged with the administration of the diocese on January 18,1874, and later succeeded Bishop John J Conroy as the third Bishop of Albany on October 16,1877.

Francis McNeirny secured the services of the Dominican Tertiaries, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, and Redemptorist Fathers for the diocese.

Bishop Francis McNeirny died from pneumonia at his residence in Albany, aged 65.