Floyd Lawrence Begin

Floyd Lawrence Begin (February 5, 1902 – April 26, 1977) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Oakland, California from 1962 until his death in 1977. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio from 1947 to 1962.

Biography

Early life and education Floyd Begin was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest of three children of Peter H. and Stella Agnes (née McFarland) Begin. He received his early education at the parochial schools of St. Columbkille and St. Thomas Aquinas Parishes. Begin attended Cathedral Latin High School in Chardon, Ohio (1916–20) and St. John Cathedral College (1920–22) in Cleveland.

Begin studied for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where he served as assistant to the rector during his studies. Following his return to Ohio, he briefly served as administrator of St. Anthony Parish in Canton. When the Knights of Columbus refused to give the charter, Begin declared, "The only reason they're being kept out is their color. Anyone who denies that is a pussy-footing liar."

Death and legacy Floyd Begin died in Oakland on April 26, 1977. Archbishop Joseph McGucken celebrated the funeral mass. Begin was buried in the bishops' crypt at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, California. In 2008, his remains were re-interred in the mausoleum of the new Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California.