BOURNE, FRANCIS

BOURNE, FRANCIS. — Cardinal, b. 23 March 1861 at Clapham, a suburb of London, d. 10 January 1935 in London. He studied theology at the Collège de Saint-Sulpice in Paris and at the University of Louvain, where he graduated. Ordained priest in 1884, he exercised the pastoral ministry for five years in a parish. He then founded the diocesan seminary of Wonersh and served as its rector until 1898, also teaching moral theology and Sacred Scripture there. In 1896 he was named auxiliary bishop of Southwark, and the following year, upon the death of the ordinary, Bishop Coffin, he succeeded him. He distinguished himself in the administration of the diocese especially through various social initiatives and through particular care for Catholic youth associations. His diligent work soon drew the attention of his superiors, and in August 1903 he was transferred to the archiepiscopal see of Westminster. In this new position as well he gave proof of his outstanding qualities. In 1908 he organized the International Eucharistic Congress in London. In 1910 he consecrated the new cathedral of Westminster. Thus it was fitting that Pius X, in the Consistory of 27 November 1911, created him cardinal with the title of S. Pudenziana. During the First World War he made several visits to the troops on the Western Front. In 1931 he was papal legate at Rouen on the occasion of the centenary of St Joan of Arc.