Edward Cornelius O'Leary

Auxiliary Bishop of Portland On November 16, 1970, O'Leary was appointed auxiliary bishop of Portland and titular bishop of Moglaena by Pope Paul VI. He encouraged the greater involvement of laity and women in church administration, and developed a system of parish councils. The diocese also joined the Maine Council of Churches during this time. O'Leary took frequent public stands on a number of social issues of importance to the Catholic Church, endorsing a referendum on pornography and opposing the Maine Equal Rights Amendment (which he believed would enforce taxpayer-funded abortions). He also worked to assist HIV/AIDS victims through the Church's social services program. It was also customary for O'Leary to visit all the hospitals every Christmas Day.

Death and legacy On September 27, 1988, Pope John Paul II accepted O'Leary's resignation as bishop of Portland. Edward O'Leary died in Portland on April 2, 2002, at age 81.