James Moore

Early life Moore was born in Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland on 29 June 1834. His uncle was a priest and guided him towards the priesthood. He studied for three years at the Collegiate School in Tralee and the undertook a six-year course at All Hallows Missionary College, Dublin. He showed little aptitude for studies but still graduated from his courses.

Priesthood On 27 June 1858, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Melbourne at All Hallows College, Dublin by Bishop John Francis Whelan.

Moore received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Pope Pius IX and became vicar-general and business manager and of the new diocese. The same year, he began to experience some challenge with his health and travelled to New South Wales for a short break.

Following the death of Bishop O'Connor on 14 February 1883, Moore was named administrator of the Diocese of Ballarat.

Episcopate On 22 January 1884, Moore was appointed Bishop of Ballarat by Pope Leo XIII.

He was a strong figure in the life of the Diocese as bishop. He was reportedly quick-tempered, vigilant, ruthless and was feared by his priests. He made several canonical visitations to his parishes and relished confirmations as an opportunity for homilies. He was also a resolute builder, building Nazareth House for orphans and the aged, while also raising money to clear the Cathedral's debts. The church had been made using a design originally intended for St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. The high altar was made in Rome and cost ₤1,300.

He also grew the number of priests and religious in the Diocese, zealously recruiting a number of priests from Ireland to serve in the Diocese, doubling the number from 27 to 54. He also brought Redemptorists and Brigidine Sisters to the Diocese.

Death In early 1904, Moore began suffering from a serious illness although it was only in June that it was discovered he was suffering with diabetes. On Saturday, 25 June 1904, Moore took a turn and appeared to be headed towards death. Archbishop Thomas Joseph Carr came to be by his side. Moore died suddenly on 26 June 1904. His body lay in state at the Bishop's Palace in Wendouree until 30 June, when it was taken to St Patrick's Cathedral, Ballarat for his Requiem Mass. He was buried in the crypt of the Cathedral.