St. John, John

John St. John (1848-1918), Catholic priest, was born at St. John's, Newfoundland, on 2 October 1848, son of Anastasia (Morey) and Edward St. John. He died on 13 March 1918.

St. John received his early education at St. Bonaventure's College, St. John's (1856-60), and studied for the priesthood at St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny, Ireland, and Propaganda College, Rome. He was ordained a priest on 4 April 1874.

Rev. St. John's first appointment was as curate in St. Mary's Parish, St. Mary's Bay in 1874. He was appointed as the first parish priest of St. Joseph's Parish, Salmonier, St. Mary's Bay (1874-95). On 12 November 1895, he was transferred to Holy Rosary Parish, Argentia, where he served as parish priest until 1910. While stationed at Argentia, Rev. St. John opposed the formation of a local branch of the Fishermen's Protective Union (FPU) and warned Archbishop Howley of its potential impact on the social structure. In 1910 he was named parish priest of Holy Trinity Parish, Torbay, and Chancellor of the Archdiocese.

In 1914 Rev. St. John was appointed Domestic Prelate by His Holiness Pope Benedict XV, with the title of Monsignor.

Created - May 7, 2013

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