LOUIS JAMES O'LEARY

Louis was the second son of Henry O'Leary and his wife Mary, a year and a half older than his brother, Bishop Henry. Born on August 17, 1877 in Richibucto, he attended the local Grammar School, then went to St. Joseph's College, Memramcook, from which he received his BA. degree at age seventeen. He then entered the Grand Seminary of Montreal where after a brilliant course but being too young for ordination at the end of the semi— nary years, he was sent to Rome for post—graduate work. On April 14, 1900 he was ordained to the priesthood in the basilica of St. John Lateran and in 1902, after having received doctorates in Canon Law and Theology, he returned to his native diocese of Chatham becoming secretary to Bishop Thomas Barry. A short time later he was named chancellor of the diocese. In 1914 he was named auxiliary bishop of Chatham and was consecrated on June 11 of that year in St. Michael's Cathedral there before an immense congregation which the press of the day said numbered fully three thousand. Archbishop Stagni, Apostolic Delegate to Canada, was chief consecrator and was assisted by Bishop Henry O'Leary of Charlottetown and Bishop O'Brien of Peterboro, Ontario. Bishops Barry of Chatham and McNally of Calgary as well as upwards of 100 priests were present. At age 36, the new Bishop O'Leary was one of the youngest in the world. A number of Maritime bishops were absent due to their being in Rome for their ad limina visit. 40

At Chatham Bishop O'Leary encouraged early and frequent Holy Communion and made a great contribution to the Christian education of youth. He was the main leader in the founding of St. Joseph's School for boys in Chatham and was in the forefront of encouraging religious drama among the youth. On the building side he personally supervised the erection of the new St. Michael's Cathedral, the bishop's residence, St. Mary's Convent and St. Thomas College. On the death of Bishop Barry in January, 1920, Bishop O'Leary was named administrator of the diocese which

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