James Rogers (bishop)

James Rogers (1826-1903) was a Canadian Roman Catholic priest and bishop. He served as the first Bishop of Chatham (later renamed the Diocese of Bathurst) in New Brunswick from 1860 until his death in 1903.

Born in County Donegal, Ireland, Rogers emigrated to Canada as a child. He received his priestly formation at the Grand Seminary of Quebec and was ordained a priest in 1851. He served in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Quebec before being appointed Bishop of Chatham at the young age of 34.

As Bishop, Rogers oversaw the development of the Catholic Church in northeastern New Brunswick. He established new parishes, schools, and charitable institutions. He was particularly concerned with the welfare of the Acadian population within his diocese and worked to promote their language and culture. He was instrumental in the founding of Collège de Bathurst (later the Université de Moncton, Bathurst campus).

Bishop Rogers was known for his administrative abilities and his dedication to the spiritual needs of his flock. His long tenure as Bishop of Chatham shaped the Catholic community in the region for decades.