Francis Joseph Magner


Francis Joseph Magner was an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Marquette from 1941 to 1947.

Early life and education

Francis Magner was born in Wilmington, Illinois, to James and Margaret Magner. He was the third of eight children; one sister, Elizabeth, joined the Sisters of Mercy and one brother, James, also became a priest and served as a professor at the Catholic University of America. His father, who worked as a farmer and later became a merchant, also served as a city commissioner and alderman.
After graduating from St. Ignatius College in Chicago, Magner attended St. Mary's College in Kansas. He continued his studies in Rome at the Pontifical North American College. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Propaganda in 1909, and a bachelor's degree in canon law from Apollinarus University in 1911.

Priesthood

While in Rome, Magner was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 17, 1913. His first assignment, following his return to Illinois, was as a curate at in Joliet. He later served in the same capacity at and , both in Chicago, and at in Wilmette. He then served as pastor of in Highwood and of in Evanston. He was named a monsignor in 1939.

Episcopacy

On December 21, 1940, Magner was appointed the seventh Bishop of Marquette, Michigan, by Pope Pius XII. 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. His installation took place at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette on the following March 20.
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. He died after a long illness in Marquette, at age 60. He is buried in the crypt of St. Peter Cathedral.