Ernest John Primeau

Ernest John Primeau (September 17, 1909 – June 6, 1989) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Manchester in New Hampshire from 1960 to 1974.

Biography

Early life Primeau was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 17, 1909. He studied at Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal George Mundelein on April 7, 1934. After serving at parishes and schools in the archdiocese, he spent twelve years in Rome. On his return to Chicago, he was named rector of Mundelein Seminary.

Bishop of Manchester

On November 27, 1959, Primeau was appointed the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Manchester by Pope John XXIII. He received his episcopal consecration at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on February 13, 1960, from Cardinal Albert Meyer, with Bishops Martin McNamara and Raymond Hillinger serving as co-consecrators. He spoke out in support of the empowerment of the laity, once declaring, "Let this talk of their duty of subjection cease."