FALLON, MICHAEL FRANCIS

Bishop, educator; b. Kingston, Ontario, Canada, May 17, 1867; d. London, Ontario, Feb. 22, 1931. Fallon was the son of Dominick Fallon, an Irish immigrant. He was educated by the Brothers of Christian Schools and later at Ottawa College where he received his B.A.(1889). He then studied theology at the Gregorian University, Rome, obtaining a doctorate in philosophy and theology. While there, he sought admission to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate; he entered their novitiate in Holland, pronounced his vows June 29, 1894, and was ordained July 29, 1894. On his return to Canada his first assignment was at the University of Ottawa where he was the first to hold the chair of English literature. During this time he served seven years as editor of the Owl, a monthly, then one year as editor of the Union.

Fallon was renowned for his lectures on Daniel O'Connell, Edmund Burke, and other Irish patriots. He served as vice rector of the University for three years, after which he resigned to become pastor of St. Joseph's, an Irish parish attached to the University (1898–1901). From 1901 to 1904 he was pastor of Holy Angels parish, Buffalo, N.Y. Elected provincial of the American province of Oblates in 1904, he served in that capacity until 1909. He was named bishop of London, Ontario, Dec. 14, 1909, and consecrated there on April 25, 1910, by Abp. F. P. McEvay of Toronto. During his episcopate, Fallon took an active part in the discussions of public questions; championed the Irish element in the controversy between French and Irish Catholics; and staunchly advocated home rule for Ireland, although he was a strong imperialist on other questions of secular politics. St. Peter's Seminary and Brescia Hall, both affiliated with the University of Western Ontario, were established during his tenure. He edited Shorter Poems by Catholics (London 1930).

[j. t. flynn]