Bernard T. Espelage

Bernard Theodore Espelage (February 16, 1892—February 19, 1971) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church and member of the Franciscan Order. He was the first bishop of the Diocese of Gallup in New Mexico and Arizona, serving from 1940 until 1969.

Biography

Early life Bernard Espelage was born on February 16, 1892, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was one of the six children of Clara and Bernard Espelage. His older brother, Sylvester Espelage, also entered the Franciscan order and became the vicar apostolic of the Diocese of Wuchang in 1930. Bernard received his early education at parochial schools and Franciscan seminaries, including St. Francis Seminary. He was invested with the Franciscan habit on August 15, 1910, and made solemn vows in 1914.

Priesthood Espelage was ordained to the priesthood for the Franciscans in Oldenburg, Indiana, on May 16, 1918 by Bishop Joseph Chartrand. After his ordination, Espelage was assigned as a curate at a parish in Roswell, New Mexico. In 1919, he was named chancellor of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, also serving as secretary to Albert Daeger, the bishop of that archdiocese. He received his episcopal consecration at St. Monica Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 9, 1940, from Archbishop John T. McNicholas, with Bishop Joseph H. Albers and Archbishop Joseph Ritter serving as co-consecrators.

Retirement and legacy Espelage retired as bishop of Gallup on August 25, 1969; he was named titular bishop of Penafiel by Pope Paul VI on the same date. Espelage died in Gallup on February 19, 1971 at age 79.