11 Facts About Silas Chatard

Silas Francis Marean Chatard was an American Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Indianapolis from 1898 to 1918.

Silas Chatard was born Silas Francis Marean Chatard in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 13,1834, to Ferdinand E Chatard and Eliza Marean.

Silas Chatard's paternal grandmother, Eliza Anna Chatard, was a financial supporter of the Oblate Sisters of Providence.

Silas Chatard served his residency at the Baltimore Alms House.

Silas Chatard was ordained on June 14,1862, and received a Doctor of Divinity degree the next year.

Silas Chatard was installed in the cathedral at Vincennes on August 11,1878, and he went almost immediately to Indianapolis, arriving there on August 17,1878.

Silas Chatard did have some impact on the American Church, however.

Silas Chatard aligned himself with the more conservative wing of the Church, led by Michael Corrigan of New York and others.

Silas Chatard established his see at Saint John the Evangelist Church, which served as the proto-cathedral for the diocese in Indianapolis from 1878 to 1906, when Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral was built.

Silas Chatard's body was interred in the crypt of the Cathedral of Sts.

On June 8,1976, Bishop Silas Chatard's remains were transferred from the cathedral to the Calvary Cemetery, Chapel Mausoleum, Indianapolis.