Bishop Daniel Feehan

Father Daniel F. Feehan was born in Athol, Ma to William and Joanna (Foley) Feehan on September 24, 1855. He was born to a blacksmith and was a resident of the Worcester County until he went to college and the seminary. He moved as a young boy to Millbury with his family where he attended school and became a friend of the future President William H. Taft. Father Feehan graduated from St. Mary's College in MontrealCanada, and spent his formation years at St. Joseph Seminary in TroyN.Y. He was ordained a priest on Dec. 20, 1879. Father Feehan's first parish was West Boylston, Ma and served twice at St. Bernard's in Fitchburg. During his second time, he was the pastor for 18 years.

 

On July 2, 1907, at the age of 52, Father Daniel Feehan was appointed the Bishop of Fall River, a new diocese formed just three years earlier in 1904. Bishop Daniel Feehan succeeded Bishop William Stang who was the first Bishop of Fall River. During the twenty-seven year tenure, the longest of any Fall River Bishop, and was known as the "Benevolent Bishop". Bishop Feehan established thirty-six parishes and was especially devoted to children, giving much attention to the child care institutions of the diocese. Bishop Daniel Feehan died July 19, 1934.

 

Bishop Daniel Feehan had a special love of children and young adults. It is fitting that Bishop Feehan High School would be named after such a man.