Edwin Frederick O'Brien
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Edwin O'Brien |
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Edwin Frederick O'Brien (b. April 8, 1939) is the fifth Roman Catholic Archbishop for the Military Services of the United States, having been appointed in 1997. He was also the titular Archbishop of Thizica from 1997 to 1998.
He was born in New York, New York and attended St. Joseph's Seminary College where he received both his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961, a Master of Divinity in 1964, and a Master of Arts degree in 1965. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York on May 29, 1965.
His first assignment was as a civilian chaplain at United States Military Academy which inspired him to enlist to become a military chaplain. In 1970, he officially became an Army Chaplain with the rank of Captain, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. From 1971 to 1972, he served a tour of duty in the Vietnam War with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and 1st Cavalry Brigade. He then returned to Fort Gordon, Georgia for a year as Post Chaplain.
In 1973, he left the military for doctoral studies in Angelicum University, Rome. In 1976, he received a doctorate in sacred Theology for a thesis entitled The Origin and Development of Moral Principles in the Writings of Paul Ramsey. Subsequently, he returned to continue his service to the Archdiocese of New York.
In 1986, he was elevated to Monsignor. He served two terms as rector of St. Joseph's Seminary from 1985 to 1989 and 1994 to 1997. From 1990-1994, he served as Rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
On February 6, 1996 was appointed bishop of the titular see of Thizica. He was consecrated by John Cardinal O'Connor at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on March 25, 1996. On April 7 of the following year, he was named co-adjutor archbishop for the Archdiocese of the United States of America Military Services. On August 12, 1997, he succeeded as archbishop and subsequently abdicated of the military his titular see on March 7, 1998.
As of 2007, he is still the active head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services and spends roughly 60% of his time traveling and visiting American troops. The other 40% of his time is spent tirelessly working for and supporting the Pontifical North American College. Raising money for the seminary and the "Red Room."
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| Preceded by Alfonso Nava Carreón Bishop of Tizica |
Titular Archbishop of Thizica 1997–1998 |
Succeeded by Louis Dicaire Bishop of Thizica |
| Preceded by Joseph Thomas Dimino |
Archbishop for the Military Services 1997—Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
