Jean‑Marie Odin (1800 – 1870) was a French‑born Roman Catholic prelate who served as the first bishop of the Diocese of Galveston in Texas and later as the third archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in the United States.
Early life and education
Jean‑Marie Odin was born on 1 June 1800 in Saint‑Claud, Charente, France. He entered the Seminary of Saint‑Sulpice in Paris and was ordained a priest on 12 December 1826. After ordination, he served in various pastoral and teaching positions within the French Catholic Church.
Missionary work in the United States
In 1848, Odin was recruited by the Catholic hierarchy in the United States to assist in the pastoral care of the growing Catholic population in Texas, which had recently become a U.S. state. He arrived in Galveston in 1849 and was appointed vicar apostolic of Texas in 1849. When the Vatican erected the Diocese of Galveston in 1850, Odin was consecrated its first bishop on 21 May 1851.
During his tenure in Texas, Bishop Odin oversaw the establishment of new parishes, the construction of churches, and the recruitment of clergy, including members of religious orders, to serve the dispersed Catholic communities. He also played a role in the negotiations surrounding the acquisition of land for Catholic institutions.
Archbishop of New Orleans
In 1861, Pope Pius IX transferred Odin to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where he succeeded Archbishop Napoléon-Joseph Perché. As archbishop, Odin presided over the archdiocese throughout the American Civil War and the early years of Reconstruction. He worked to rebuild churches damaged during the war, expand Catholic education, and strengthen the social services of the archdiocese.
Later years and death
Archbishop Odin continued his episcopal ministry until his death on 9 February 1870 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was buried in the crypt of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France in New Orleans.
Legacy
Jean‑Marie Odin is remembered for his pioneering role in establishing the Catholic hierarchy in Texas and for guiding the Archdiocese of New Orleans through a turbulent period in American history. His efforts contributed to the growth of Catholic institutions in the Gulf Coast region.
