Deaths on January 31

John Joseph Scanlan, Irish-American bishop (b. 1930)

Revered for his long and dedicated service, John Joseph Scanlan (May 24, 1906 – January 31, 1997) served as the second Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu in the United States. His extensive career within the Church spanned decades, marked by significant leadership roles in the Hawaiian Islands, contributing profoundly to the spiritual life of the local Catholic community.

Born in the picturesque rural parish of Iniscarra, located in County Cork, Ireland, on May 24, 1906, Scanlan's foundational spiritual and academic training took place at the renowned All Hallows College, Dublin. This esteemed institution, formally known as All Hallows College, University College Dublin, was historically vital for training missionary priests, many of whom were destined for service in English-speaking countries, including the United States and its territories like Hawaii, thereby preparing individuals like Scanlan for international pastoral duties.

Journey to Episcopal Leadership in Hawaii

Bishop Scanlan's path to leading the Catholic community in Hawaii began in the mid-20th century, following a period of dedicated priestly ministry and reflecting a structured progression through the Church's hierarchy.

• Auxiliary Bishop and Titular Bishop of Cenae: On July 8, 1954, John Joseph Scanlan received his initial episcopal appointment as the Auxiliary Bishop of Honolulu. Concurrently, he was named Titular Bishop of Cenae. An Auxiliary Bishop is appointed to assist the diocesan bishop in managing the diverse affairs of a diocese, particularly one with a large population or geographical area, or where the diocesan bishop requires additional support. A Titular See, like Cenae (an ancient, now non-residential diocese located in present-day Tunisia), is a historical episcopal seat often assigned to an Auxiliary Bishop, granting them the title and dignity of a bishop without the responsibility of governing a specific contemporary diocese.
• Episcopal Consecration: His formal episcopal consecration, a sacred rite elevating him to the order of bishop and conferring upon him the fullness of the priesthood, occurred shortly thereafter, on September 21, 1954. This solemn ceremony formally integrated him into the College of Bishops and explicitly linked him to the apostolic succession, tracing his authority back to the original apostles.
• Apostolic Administrator: A pivotal moment in his career arrived on November 10, 1967, when Bishop Scanlan was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Honolulu. This significant role meant he took temporary charge of the administration of the diocese, a position typically held when the diocesan see is vacant (Sede Vacante) or when the sitting bishop is incapacitated. This appointment was a crucial interim step, providing stable leadership after the impending retirement and subsequent passing of the first Bishop of Honolulu, James J. Sweeney, in 1968.

Ascension to Diocesan Bishop and Enduring Legacy

Bishop Scanlan's dedicated interim leadership culminated in his full and formal appointment as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. On March 6, 1968, Pope Paul VI officially named him the second Bishop of Honolulu, thereby entrusting him with the comprehensive spiritual and administrative oversight of all Catholic parishes, schools, and institutions across the Hawaiian Islands. During his significant tenure as diocesan ordinary, Bishop Scanlan guided the diocese through a period of substantial post-Vatican II changes and notable growth, overseeing crucial pastoral initiatives, the expansion of educational programs, and intensified community outreach efforts to better serve the diverse Hawaiian population.

After more than a decade of dedicated service as the diocesan ordinary, Bishop Scanlan retired on June 30, 1981, at the age of 75, in accordance with canon law which typically mandates retirement for bishops at that age. However, his profound commitment to the Church did not cease with his retirement from administrative duties. He continued to be actively involved as Bishop Emeritus, an honorific title that acknowledges his past office while allowing him to provide spiritual guidance, celebrate sacraments, and participate in diocesan life without the full administrative responsibilities of a sitting bishop. Bishop Scanlan remained a beloved and respected figure in the Hawaiian Catholic community, offering continued support and wisdom until his passing on January 31, 1997, leaving behind a lasting legacy of pastoral care and leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bishop John Joseph Scanlan

Who was John Joseph Scanlan?

John Joseph Scanlan was a prominent Irish-born Catholic prelate who distinguished himself through dedicated service, notably as the second Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, Hawaii, from 1968 to 1981. He also held various other significant episcopal roles within the diocese prior to becoming its ordinary.

Where was Bishop Scanlan born and educated?

He was born on May 24, 1906, in Iniscarra, a rural parish in County Cork, Ireland. His priestly formation and higher education were completed at All Hallows College in Dublin, an esteemed institution historically renowned for its mission to train priests for service in various parts of the world, including the United States.

What is the significance of being an "Auxiliary Bishop" and "Titular Bishop of Cenae"?

As Auxiliary Bishop of Honolulu (appointed July 8, 1954), he assisted the diocesan bishop in managing the expansive administrative and pastoral duties of the diocese. The concurrent title "Titular Bishop of Cenae" signifies that he held the dignity and status of a bishop, with Cenae being an ancient, now symbolic, episcopal see, not a currently functioning diocese.

What role did Bishop Scanlan play as "Apostolic Administrator of Honolulu"?

His appointment as Apostolic Administrator on November 10, 1967, meant he temporarily governed the Diocese of Honolulu during a period when the see was vacant or without a resident diocesan bishop. This crucial role ensured the continued spiritual and administrative operation of the diocese until a new bishop could be formally appointed, bridging the leadership transition following Bishop James J. Sweeney.

When did John Joseph Scanlan become the Diocesan Bishop of Honolulu?

He was formally appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu on March 6, 1968, succeeding the first bishop, James J. Sweeney, and taking full spiritual and administrative responsibility for the Catholic Church throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

What does "Bishop Emeritus" mean, and what activities did he undertake in this role?

Bishop Emeritus is an honorific title bestowed upon a retired bishop, acknowledging his past leadership and continued spiritual standing. After his retirement on June 30, 1981, Bishop Scanlan remained an active and revered presence in the Diocese of Honolulu, continuing to celebrate Masses, offer spiritual guidance, and participate in Church events, providing wisdom and support without the day-to-day administrative burdens of a sitting bishop.