MacDonald, Most Rev. John Hugh

John Hugh MacDonald was born on April 3, 1881, in Maryvale, Nova Scotia to Ronald J. MacDonald and Elizabeth Grant. He attended Malignant Cove School in Antigonish, NS and then enrolled at St. Francis Xavier University from 1899-1903 where he earned a Bachelors of Arts. Between 1903 and 1906 he completed his Theological Studies at Urban College (Pontificio Collegio Urbano "De Propaganda Fide") in Rome, but returned home ill in 1906.

MacDonald was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1906. In the early years of his priesthood he held a number of positions including instructor at St. Francis Xavier University (1906), Vice-Rector at St. Francis Xavier University (1908), Assistant Pastor at St. Anne's Parish in Glace Bay (1909), first pastor of St. Agnes' Parish in New Waterford (1914), seventh pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Syndey (1924-1934).

He was appointed as Bishop of Victoria in 1934, and in 1936, he succeeded his long-time friend Henry Joseph O’Leary as Edmonton’s third Archbishop.

The Archbishop pioneered credit unions in Catholic parishes, encouraged youth to a more active participation and formation of Catholic Youth Groups, along with the opening of Catholic Charities.

During his time as Bishop the Diocese of St. Paul was established separating the north part of the Archdiocese of Edmonton into its own Diocese in 1948.

After 26 years as the leader of the Archdiocese, MacDonald retired in 1964 and died on January 17, 1965.