Michael Hurley (19th-century priest)

Michael Hurley (19th-century priest) was an Irish-American Catholic priest and educator who played a significant role in the early development of Catholic education in the United States. Born in Ireland in 1780, he emigrated to the United States and was ordained a priest in Philadelphia in 1805.

Hurley served as pastor of St. Augustine's Church in Philadelphia from 1805 until his death in 1837. A dedicated and influential figure, he significantly expanded the parish school connected to St. Augustine’s. He emphasized a classical curriculum, incorporating subjects like Latin and Greek alongside religious instruction. This approach, while reflecting the standards of the time, also aimed to provide a high-quality education to the burgeoning Catholic community.

His efforts contributed to the growth and consolidation of Catholic education in Philadelphia and the surrounding region. He was known for his commitment to providing education for all, regardless of their social or economic background. Hurley's legacy rests on his contributions to the development of Catholic schools in a period when anti-Catholic sentiment was prevalent and the need for accessible education for Catholic immigrants was particularly pressing. His work laid a foundation for the later expansion of the Catholic school system in the United States.