Alexander Joseph McGavick


Alexander Joseph McGavick was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, from 1921 until his death in 1948.

Biography

Early life, ordination and ministry

Alexander McGavick was born in Fox Lake, Illinois, to James and Catherine McGavick, who were Irish immigrants. After receiving his early education in the local public schools, he entered St. Viator College at Kankakee in 1879. He later graduated in 1887 with a Master of Arts degree. On June 11, 1887, he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Patrick Feehan. He then served as a curate at All Saints Church in Chicago until 1897, when he became pastor of St. John's Church.

Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

On December 2, 1898, McGavick was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago and titular bishop of Marcopolis by Pope Leo XIII. He received his episcopal consecration on May 1, 1899, from Archbishop Feehan, with Bishops Edward Joseph Dunne and Maurice Francis Burke serving as co-consecrators, at Holy Name Cathedral. In addition to his duties as an auxiliary bishop, he became pastor of in 1900.

Bishop of La Crosse, Wisconsin

Following the death of Bishop James Schwebach, McGavick was named the fourth Bishop of La Crosse, Wisconsin, on November 21, 1921.
Bishop McGavick was the founder of Aquinas High School in La Crosse.