John Ireland (bishop)

John Ireland (September 11, 1838 – September 25, 1918) was an American Roman Catholic prelate who served as the third Archbishop of Saint Paul from 1888 until his death in 1918. He was a key figure in the Americanization movement within the Catholic Church, advocating for the integration of Catholic immigrants into American society.

Ireland was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, and emigrated to the United States with his family in 1849, settling in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained a priest in 1861 and served as a chaplain in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

His career saw a rapid ascent within the Church hierarchy. He became Coadjutor Bishop of Saint Paul in 1875 and Bishop of Saint Paul in 1884, eventually being elevated to Archbishop in 1888.

As Archbishop, Ireland was known for his progressive views and his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church in the United States. He was a strong advocate for education and founded numerous schools, including the College of St. Thomas (now the University of St. Thomas) and the Saint Paul Seminary. He believed in the importance of public education and promoted the "Faribault Plan," a controversial proposal to integrate Catholic schools into the public school system.

Ireland was a prominent voice in social and political issues of his time. He was a supporter of temperance and advocated for social justice and reform. He was also a staunch patriot and promoted American values. He maintained close ties with prominent political figures, including Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.

His outspoken personality and progressive views often made him a controversial figure within the Catholic Church, particularly among those who favored a more traditional approach. Despite the controversies, Ireland's influence on the Catholic Church in the United States was significant, and he is remembered as a key figure in the Americanization of the Church.

He died in St. Paul in 1918 and is buried in the Cathedral of Saint Paul.