Edward Joseph Kelly (February 26, 1890 – April 21, 1956) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Boise in Idaho from 1927 until his death in 1956.


Edward J. Kelly

D.D.
Bishop of Boise
DioceseBoise (all of Idaho)
PredecessorDaniel Mary Gorman
SuccessorJames Joseph Byrne[1]
Orders
OrdinationJune 2, 1917
ConsecrationMarch 6, 1928
Personal details
Born
Edward Joseph Kelly

(1890-02-26)February 26, 1890
DiedApril 21, 1956(1956-04-21) (aged 66)
Boise, Idaho, US
BuriedMorris Hill Cemetery
Boise, Idaho
DenominationCatholic
ParentsJames Leo Kelly
Henrietta (Wakefield) Kelly
EducationColumbia University Oregon
St. Patrick's Seminary
Propaganda University

Biography

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Early years

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Kelly was born on February 26, 1890, in The Dalles, Oregon, the third of five children of James Leo and Henrietta (née Wakefield) Kelly.[2][3] He received his early education at St. Mary's Academy in The Dalles, and classical studies at Columbia University in Portland.[2]

Kelly began his studies for the priesthood at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California, and proceeded to the Pontifical North American College and Propaganda University in Rome.[2]

Priesthood

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Kelly was ordained a priest in Rome on June 2, 1917.[3][4] He then served as a missionary in the Diocese of Baker City until 1919, when he became a secretary to Bishop Joseph Francis McGrath and chancellor of the diocese.[2][3]

Bishop of Boise

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On December 16, 1927, Kelly was appointed as the third Bishop of Boise by Pope Pius XI.[3][4] He received his episcopal consecration on March 6, 1928, from Bishop McGrath, with Bishops Mathias Lenihan and Charles White serving as co-consecrators.[4] During a visit to Vatican City in 1934, Kelly was granted a private audience with Pope Pius XI, conducted in Italian.[5]

Death and legacy

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Edward Kelly died of a heart attack while celebrating mass in Boise on April 21, 1956; he was age 66.[6] He was succeeded by Bishop James Byrne.[1]Bishop Kelly High School in west Boise, opened in 1964, is named in his honor.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Byrne is named bishop of Idaho". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. June 20, 1956. p. 1.
  2. ^ a b c d Curtis, Georgina Pell (1961). The American Catholic Who's Who. Vol. XIV. Grosse Pointe, Michigan: Walter Romig.
  3. ^ a b c d "Bishop of Boise designated". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. December 17, 1927. p. 3.
  4. ^ a b c "Bishop Edward Joseph Kelly". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.[self-published source]
  5. ^ "Bishop Kelly has visit with Pope". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. March 27, 1934. p. 5.
  6. ^ "Bishop Edward J. Kelly of Boise Diocese succumbs to heart attack". Lewiston Morning Tribune. April 22, 1956. p. 1.
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Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Bishop of Boise City
1928–1956
Succeeded by