Second Bishop, Lenihan

By Bishop McGovern

Owing to the representations that had been made by Bishop Burke, the diocese was allowed to remain vacant for several years during which its affairs were managed by the administrator, V. Rev. Hugh Cummiskey. However, the prayers of the faithful were at length heard in the appointment of Rev. Thos. M. Lenihan of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Though born in Mallow, Ireland, May 21, 1843, he came with his parents as a mere child to Dubuque, where his early training was received, and where he was led to aspire to the sublime dignity of the priesthood by the saintly Bishop Loras. Having made his classical studies at St. Thomas college, Bardstown, Ky., he entered St. Vincent’s seminary, Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he received his philosophical training. His theological course was made at the Salesianum, Milwaukee, and he was ordained a priest by Bishop Hennessy at St. Raphael’s cathedral, Dubuque, Nov. 23, 1867.

[11] Fr. Lenihan was immediately appointed pastor of Decorah, Iowa, where he remained until 1870 when he was promoted to the growing parish of Corpus Christi, Fort Dodge. His executive ability found expression in the erection of a $30,000.00 church with a seating capacity of 500. He had just laid the foundation of a new parochial school when he was nominated bishop of Cheyenne. The fine church property which he had so greatly improved during his long pastorate was left free from debt.

Consecrated in Dubuque Feb. 24, 1897, the bishop reached his episcopal see in Passion Week, but as he came unannounced, there was no public reception. The sisters at the local academy were surprised when he appeared at their door with his cassock under his arm and asked if he might celebrate Mass. He had just come from the train; so the rector of the cathedral only learned of his advent when he himself arrived at the convent to offer up the Holy Sacrifice. For the first time since Cheyenne became a diocese, the solemn consecration of the holy oils was performed in the cathedral, the service being largely attended by Catholics and non-Catholics. Bishop Lenihan was fond of ceremonies but owing to a lack of priests, it was seldom possible for him to have the pontifical functions prescribed by the liturgy.

[12] Though apparently in perfect health at the time of his elevation to the episcopate, Bishop Lenihan was afflicted with some disease of the kidneys, and to this was now added heart trouble, induced by the great altitude. He struggled on for a couple of years, but, as there was no improvement, he was compelled to seek a lower altitude, and returned to his beloved Iowa. The bishops of the province had agreed to petition the Holy See to transfer him to Sioux City which was created a diocese a month after his death. His demise took place at Dubuque, Dec. 15, 1901, and his remains lie buried in a granite mausoleum erected by his brother, the bishop of Great Falls, at Calvary cemetery, Key West, Iowa.