Alfred Michael Watson

Alfred Watson was born on July 11, 1908, in Erie, Pennsylvania.^[2] Watson attended Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Erie on May 10, 1934 in Erie by Bishop John Mark Gannon.^[2]

On May 17, 1965, Watson was appointed auxiliary bishop of Erie and Titular Bishop of Nationa by Pope Paul VI.^[2] He received his episcopal consecration at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Erie on June 29, 1965. from Cardinal John Krol, with Bishop John Selby Spence and Joseph Francis Donnelly serving as co-consecrators.^[2]

Following the promotion of John Francis Whealon to archbishop of Hartford in 1968, Watson was named b bishop of Erie by Paul VI on March 17, 1969.^[2] He was accused of being too slow to implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, and met considerable opposition from the diocesan clergy.^[3] During his tenure, he ordained 88 priests, but was forced to close or merge several Catholic schools.^[3]

After breaking his hip and undergoing surgery,^[3] Watson retired as bishop of Erie on July 16, 1982.^[2] He on January 4, 1990 in Erie at age 81.