Henry Gabriels

Henry Gabriels (October 6, 1838 – April 23, 1921) was a Belgian-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg in New York State from 1892 until his death in 1921.

Biography

Early life Henry Gabriels was born on October 6, 1838, at Wannegem-Lede, East Flanders in Belgium. He studied classics at St. Mary's College in Oudenaarde, Belgium and philosophy at the St. Joseph Minor Seminary in Ghent, Belgium. In 1858, having decided to enter the priesthood, he enrolled in St. Nicholas Seminary in Ghent, where he studied theology for two years. In late 1860, Gabriels entered the University of Leuven in Leuven, Belgium.

Priesthood Gabriels was ordained to the priesthood in Ghent by Bishop Louis-Joseph Delebecque on September 21, 1861. He received a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1862 and a Licentiate in Theology in 1864. In 1882, he received an honorary Doctor of Theology degree from the University of Leuven.

When the Fourth Provincial Council of New York was held in New York City in 1883, Gabriels served as secretary. For the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland in 1884, Gabriels was named as a general secretary. Charles George Hebermann, editor of the Catholic Encyclopedia, gave this description of Gabriels:Conscientious in the discharge of his duties, ever ready to go where duty called, affable to all, both rich and poor, zealous for the interests of the Church, he was soon known in every part of the diocese, and where he was known, he was loved and respected. Gabriels wrote the "Diocese of Ogdensburg" article for the Catholic Encyclopedia. He was an officer of the Order of Leopold. During his 29 years as bishop, he established several churches and schools.