This week in Christian history: United Methodist Building opened, Saint Abo martyred

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 05, 2025

John Joseph Hughes consecrated bishop – Jan. 7, 1838

This week marks the anniversary of when John Joseph Hughes, a native of Ulster, Ireland who would become the first archbishop of New York, was consecrated bishop of the titular see of Basilinopolis.

A titular see is the name given to a Catholic diocese that no longer officially operates where it was founded. In the case of Basilinopolis, it was originally centered on a city in Asia Minor that was conquered by Islamic invasion.

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Hughes was consecrated bishop after holding various church positions in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1842, Hughes became the bishop of the Diocese of New York, then became the regional body’s first archbishop when the diocese was elevated to the status of archdiocese in 1850.

“Among the various causes championed by Hughes, his influence is felt especially in the realm of higher education. He founded Manhattan College, St. John's College (now Fordham University), Fordham Prep, the Academy of Mount St. Vincent (not the College of Mount Saint Vincent), and Marymount College,” noted Old New York Tours.