Francis Gilfillan

Francis Gilfillan was born on February 16, 1872, in Aughavas, County Leitrim in Ireland.^[1] He received his classical education at St. Mary's Seminary in Moyne, County Longford, from 1886 to 1889.^[2] From 1889 to 1894, he studied philosophy and theology at St. Patrick's College in Carlow, Ireland.^[2] Gilfillan immigrated to the United States to enter the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.,^[2] where he received a Doctor of Divinity degree.

Gilfillan was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Archbishop John J. Kain in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 24, 1895.^[3][1] After his ordination, the archdiocese assigned Gilfillan as a curate at the Cathedral of St. Louis Parish. In 1907, he was appointed pastor of the parish.^[2] He also served as a board member of Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis and of the Theological Conferences' Committee of the Board of Synodal Examiners.^[2]

On July 8, 1922, Gilfillan was appointed coadjutor bishop of St. Joseph and titular bishop of Pegae by Pope Pius XI.^[3][4] He received his episcopal consecration on November 8, 1922, from Archbishop John J. Glennon, with Bishops Christopher E. Byrne and Thomas F. Lillis serving as co-consecrators. at the Cathedral of Saint Louis.^[1][3] After the death of Bishop Maurice F. Burke on March 17, 1923, Gilfillan automatically succeeded him as the third bishop of St. Joseph.^[3]

As bishop, Gilfillan chose to live in a residence for priests rather than reside in the episcopal residence. He opened an orphanage in St. Joseph, Missouri, and built the Christian Brothers High School in that city.^[5]

Francis Gilfillan died at his residence in St. Joseph on January 13, 1933, at age 60.^[6][7]