Bernard Joseph Mahoney

Bernard Joseph Mahoney (July 24, 1875 – March 20, 1939) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Sioux Falls from 1922 until his death in 1939.

Biography Early life and education Bernard Mahoney was born on July 24, 1875, in Albany, New York, to Daniel and Honora (née O'Connor) Mahoney, who were Irish immigrants. His father worked for the Boston and Albany Railroad and moved the family to Rensselaer when Bernard was still a child. He received his early education at St. John's Academy in Rensselaer, but left school to work as a telegraph operator for Western Union in Albany. Following his ordination, he returned to New York and served as assistant pastor under Rev. John Walsh at St. Peter's Church in Troy. During this time, he also earned the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology and arranged appointments for Americans seeking a papal audience.

Bishop of Sioux Falls On May 24, 1922, Mahoney was appointed Bishop of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, by Pope Pius XI.

Mahoney's 17 years as bishop were marked by poor economic conditions and a heavy diocesan debt. He was also forced to close Columbus College due to financial difficulties in 1929. However, he did establish Cathedral High School in 1926.

Mahoney died on March 20, 1939, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, following an operation to have a goitre removed.