Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

February 28, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the installation of Bishop James Aloysius Griffin as the first bishop of Springfield. Bishop Griffin, born on February 27, 1883, in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, was the oldest of 11 children of Thomas Griffin and Catherine Woulfe, both immigrants from Limerick, Ireland.

Bishop Griffin's upbringing in Chicago's South Side, where he witnessed early labor strikes and movements, had a significant influence on his later life. He excelled both inside and outside the classroom, graduating from St. Gabriel High School and St. Ignatius College Prep. He then pursued his studies at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis and the North American College in Rome, where he completed a six-year course and was ordained on July 4, 1909.

Known for his faithfulness, loyalty, energy, and graciousness, Bishop Griffin carried these qualities with him throughout his life. He began his priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago, serving at St. James Parish and later as pastor of Assumption Parish in Coal City. During the pandemic of 1918, he acted as the only doctor serving the people of Coal City. His last assignment before becoming a bishop was as the pastor of St. Mary Church in Joliet.

On February 28, 1924, accompanied by his family and 200 priests from Chicago, Bishop Griffin was installed as the first bishop of Springfield at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Cardinal George Mundelein represented the pope during the installation ceremony. Bishop Griffin wasted no time in touring the diocese and meeting with clergy and parish councils to understand the needs of each parish.

Under Bishop Griffin's leadership, the diocese flourished. He focused on the material, moral, intellectual, and spiritual welfare of the entire diocese and embarked on the task of building a new cathedral. In 1927, he opened the Cathedral Campaign, which raised $1.2 million in just 12 days, surpassing the initial goal of $750,000. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was dedicated on October 24, 1928, and became the mother church of the capital See. The cathedral complex included a school, a convent for the sisters who served as faculty, and a residence for the bishop and his clergy.

Throughout some of the most challenging moments in American history, Bishop Griffin led the diocese with energy and apostolic zeal. He guided the Church through the Great Depression and the Second World War, established Catholic Charities, built high schools, and worked for vocations. He also fought for fair treatment of coal miners and laborers across Central Illinois. His counsel was sought after by many pastors from all denominations, both within and outside the diocese.

Bishop James Aloysius Griffin's leadership and optimism were a testament to his motto, "By Faith and Fortitude." He remains a cherished leader in the history of the Springfield diocese.

Katie Oubre, MLIS, CA, CRM, Vice-Chancellor for Archives and Records, and P.J. Oubre, MA, CA, Assistant Archivist, contributed to this article.