Daniel E. Sheehan

Daniel Eugene Sheehan (May 14, 1917 – October 24, 2000) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Omaha from 1969 to 1993. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the same archdiocese from 1964 to 1969.

Biography

Early life Daniel Sheehan was born on May 14, 1917, in Emerson, Nebraska. He studied theology at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he graduated with honors in 1942.

Sheehan was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Omaha by Archbishop James Hugh Ryan on May 23, 1942. After his ordination, Sheehan was assigned to St. Cecilia's Cathedral in Omaha. He then attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., receiving a degree in canon law. After returning to Omaha, he served as chancellor and tribunal judge.

Auxiliary Bishop of Omaha On January 4, 1964, Sheehan was appointed auxiliary bishop of Omaha and Titular Bishop of Capsus by Pope Paul VI. During his tenure, Sheehan has earned a national reputation for his support of Catholic education. His campaign for educational excellence raised more than $26 million to improve Catholic education in the Omaha Metropolitan Area.

Retirement and legacy Pope John Paul II accepted Sheehan's resignation as archbishop of Omaha on May 4, 1993.