James Charles McGuigan

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James Charles McGuigan (26 November 1894-8 April 1974) was the Roman Catholic Archbishops of Toronto from 1934 to 1971.

[edit] Early Years

Born in Hunter River, Prince Edward Island and stuided Philosophy, Theology and Canon law at Laval University and Grand Seminary in Montreal, Quebec. McGuigan was ordained as Priest in Rustico, Prince Edward Island and became professor at St. Dunstan's University in Charlottetown. He later served as Secretary to the Archbishop of Edmonton, Alberta, as well as Vice-Chancellor, Vicar General, Rector of St. Joseph's Seminary and St. Joseph's Cathedral in the city.

In 1930 he was installed as Archbishop of Regina, Saskatchewan, and in 1934 appointed Archbishop of Toronto, Ontario. As Archbishop, McGuigan reduced the overall debt of the diocese. In 1946 he was elevated to Cardinal and as Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria del Popolo and to the Sacred College of Cardinals by Pope Pius XII. He was also responsible for creating the diocese of St. Catharines, Ontario.

[edit] Later Years

His heavy workload took a toll on his health and was forced to pass on some duties to Philip Francis Pocock in 1971 (Pocock served as Co-adjutor Archbishop). A decade later, McGuigan was forced to retired as Archbishop of Toronto and assumed the title of Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto. He died in 1974 and buried at St. Augustine's Seminary.