James Edwin Cassidy

James Edwin Cassidy (August 1, 1869 – May 17, 1951) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Fall River in Massachusetts from 1934 until his death in 1951.

Biography

Early life James Cassidy was born on August 1, 1869, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to James and Mary (née Byrne) Cassidy. His father was from County Waterford and his mother from County Armagh in Ireland. He continued his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Cassidy served as professor of science at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, New York, where he also worked as treasurer for three years. He then served a pastoral role at a parish in Attleboro, Massachusetts

Pope Pius X erected the Diocese of Fall River on March 12, 1904. At that point, Cassidy was incardinated, or transferred, from the Diocese of Providence to the new diocese. He was soon named chancellor of the diocese. From 1908 to 1913, Cassidy served as rector of St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. He was named vicar general of the diocese in 1909. The Vatican elevated him to the rank of domestic prelate in 1912. He was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Parish in Fall River in 1913.

Cassidy was named coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Fall River on July 13, 1934. After the American entry into World War II in December 1941, Cassidy in 1942 declared that the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) contravened the teachings of the Catholic Church on the role of women. He expressed his hope that no Catholic women would join WAAC. Cassidy was the first American bishop to receive the crimson cross of the Order of Christ from the Portuguese government.

Death and legacy James Cassidy died on May 17, 1951, at his residence in Fall River at age 81.