FitzGerald, Alexander

Alexander FitzGerald (c. 1770-18-?), Catholic priest, was born in Ireland circa 1770. As a young man, he joined the Dominican Order of Preachers. It is thought that he studied for the priesthood at Corpo Santo Convent, Lisbon, Portugal.

Rev. Fitzgerald arrived in Newfoundland from Ireland in 1816. The following year, he left Newfoundland for Nova Scotia and was assigned to a congregation in Cape Breton. He returned to Newfoundland in July 1822 and was appointed curate in Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Bay Bulls.

In July 1823, Rev. FitzGerald accepted a pastoral appointment in Prince Edward Island, where he was placed in charge of Charlottetown and surrounding districts. His work there came under the jurisdiction of Bishop Joseph Octave Plessis, Bishop of Quebec. Among his colleagues, he was recognized as an earnest and energetic worker. Bishop Angus MacEachern, Arichat (later the Diocese of Antigonish), Nova Scotia, stated in a letter to Bishop Thomas Scallan that FitzGerald did "ample justice to his flock." Fitzgerald directed the completion of the interior of the church that was under construction when he arrived. He also raised sufficient funds to construct a new parochial house, completed by 1828.

Rev. Fitzgerald was considered very strict in his dealings with his parishioners and used strong language in promoting the temperance movement. It was said that he sometimes took liberties when celebrating the liturgy, which earned him the reproach of Bishop Plessis. Rev. Fitzgerald left Charlottetown on 23 June 1829 to return to his convent in Lisbon. The remainder of his life is not documented.

Created - May 2, 2013

• English