Francis Joseph Magner

Francis Joseph Magner (March 18, 1887 – June 13, 1947) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Marquette in Michigan from 1941 to 1947.

Biography

Early life Francis Magner was born on March 18, 1887, in Wilmington, Illinois, to James and Margaret (née Follen) Magner. He was the third of eight children; one sister, Elizabeth Magner, joined the Sisters of Mercy and one brother, James Magner, also became a priest. James Magner the elder worked as a farmer and merchant, also serving as a city commissioner and alderman.

Priesthood While in Rome, Magner was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop James Edward Quigley for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 17, 1913. After his ordination, Magner held the following parish assignments in Illinois:

Curate at St. Mary Nativity in Joliet Curate at St. Pius V in Chicago Curate at St. Mel in Chicago Curate at St. Francis Xavier in Wilmette He received his episcopal consecration on February 24, 1941, from Archbishop Samuel Stritch, with Bishops Eugene J. McGuinness and William O'Brien serving as co-consecrators, at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.

During his six-year tenure, Magner provided attention to the mission parishes of the diocese, established the diocesan newspaper, promoted U.S. Laymen's Retreat Association, and created seven catechetical schools.

Death and legacy Francis Magner died on June 13, 1947, after a long illness in Marquette, at age 60. He is buried in the crypt of St. Peter Cathedral.