Patrick French (bishop)

Patrick French (1841 – 1928) was an Irish Roman Catholic bishop and missionary. He is best known for his missionary work in India and his role as the first Vicar Apostolic of Western Burma.

Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, French joined the Society of the Propagation of Foreign Missions of St. Columbanus (better known as the Maynooth Mission to China). After his ordination, he was sent to India in 1872, working primarily in the Vicariate Apostolic of Hyderabad.

In 1918, French was appointed the first Vicar Apostolic of Western Burma, a newly established ecclesiastical jurisdiction. He served in this capacity until his resignation in 1921. During his tenure, he focused on establishing and consolidating the Catholic Church in the region, including establishing schools and churches, and working to evangelize the local population.

After his resignation, French returned to Ireland, where he died in 1928. He is remembered for his dedication to missionary work and his contribution to the growth of the Catholic Church in both India and Burma.