Denis Matthew Lowney

Biography

Early life Born in Castletown-Bar Haven in Ireland, Denis Lowney's family immigrated to the United States when he was a child. Lowney was educated in Fall River, Massachusetts, and attended colleges in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, and Manhattan. He completed his seminary studies at the Grand Seminary of Montreal in Montreal, Quebec. After his ordination, Lowney was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Mary's Parish in Providence. In 1891, he moved to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Providence to serve as assistant pastor. Lowney was appointed chancellor of the diocese in 1894. In 1903, he left his position as chancellor to become rector of the cathedral. In 1905, he was installed as rector of St. Joseph’s Church in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Lowney also served as director of the St. Vincent de Paul Infant Asylum in Providence, which he worked to improve and develop. Before becoming bishop, Lowney was named vicar general. He also served on the Bishop’s Council, as chair of the board of examiners for the clergy, chair of the school board, board chair of the Infirm Priests’ Fund, and director of the Eucharist League.