Encyclopedia Dubuque
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FITZGERALD, Edward Aloysius
FITZGERALD, Edward Aloysius (Most Rev.) (Cresco, IA, Feb. 13, 1893-Winona, MN, Mar. 30, 1972). First Auxiliary Bishop of Dubuque. Fitzgerald, a graduate of ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE in Dubuque, took post-graduate studies at the University of Chicago and the State University of Minnesota. He was ordained by Archbishop James J. KEANE on July 25, 1916, and was appointed to the faculty of LORAS COLLEGE. He served at Loras for twenty-five years including service as registrar and Dean of Students from 1920 to 1940.
Fitzgerald, appointed bishop on August 14, 1946, was consecrated by Archbishop Henry P. ROHLMAN on September 12, 1946, in ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHEDRAL. On October 20, 1949, Bishop Fitzgerald was transferred to the See of Winona. (1)
From 1946 to 1949 Fitzgerald became the superintendent of Catholic schools succeeding Msgr.John Mark WOLFE. He quickly began reorganizing the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in every parish providing for catechetical instruction, formation of instruction groups, vacation schools, the apostolate for converts, and parent education. (2)
Bishop Fitzgerald carefully analyzed and improved the reports to the Iowa Committee on Secondary Schools. He also worked with the Committee in upgrading the academic status of the high schools in the archdiocese. Bishop Fitzgerald stressed teacher preparation and was responsible for establishing a program of special education for priests who would be teaching in the high schools. (3)
Within the high school, Bishop Fitzgerald stressed the importance of the religion course, library development and the use of audio-visual materials and all instructional tools of education. (4)
He retired on January 8, 1969.(5)
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Source:
1. "Bishop Edward Aloysius Fitzgerald," http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bfitea.html
2. Toale, Thomas E.; Casey, Cherie; Beckett, Linda. Go Forth and Teach. Dubuque: Loras College Press and the Archdiocese of Dubuque,2001, p. xvi
3. Ibid., p. xvii
4. Ibid.
5. "Bishop Edward Aloysius Fitzgerald."
