Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
SHEEHY, Maurice S.
SHEEHY, Maurice S. (Rev. Msgr.). (Irwin, IL, Apr. 26, 1898--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 10, 1972). The first chaplain to achieve the rank of vice admiral, Sheehy attended ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY and Columbia (LORAS COLLEGE). From 1922 to 1927 he taught at Loras before beginning his naval career in 1941.
Sheehy compiled a record of thirty-three months service in the Pacific during WORLD WAR II as the district chaplain for the United States Navy. He received the Bronze Star and six battle stars. Later he was to be made the first three star chaplain in the history of the armed services. He was named rear admiral in 1954 and promoted to vice admiral upon his retirement in 1958. This was the highest rank ever accorded to a naval chaplain.
The recipient of a Papal appointment as a Prothonotary Apostolic, the highest station awarded a monsignor, Sheehy wrote eight books including The Priestly Heart and Six O’clock Mass. He served thirty years with the Catholic University of America, seventeen of which were spent as Head of the Department of Religious Education.
On August 8, 1957 Sheehy became pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He taught daily in Immaculate Conception High School and served as Head of the Department of Religion at Mt. Mercy College. His chief concern was increasing the practice of Frequent Communion.
In June 1967 the fourth annual John F. Kennedy Award is conferred on Rt. Rev. Msgr. Sheehy, retired vice-admiral of the U. S. Navy Reserve at the Loras College Commencement activities.
