Carleton, Rt. Rev. William Burke

• Msgr. Carleton

Msgr. William Burke Francis was born on August 17, 1883, in Ottawa. He did his theological studies at St. John’s Theological College, Brighton, MA, and was ordained in Ottawa on October 15, 1911. He worked in the Ottawa Archdiocese for 11 years before coming to Edmonton in August 1921.

His first appointment was a Rector at St. Anthony’s Pro-Cathedral, 1921-1939. He then worked as Vicar General, 1938-1939 and 1945-1965; Army Chaplain, 1939-1942; Rector of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 1942-1945. From 1921 to 1931, he gave a fine service to the City of Edmonton as Juvenile Court Magistrate.

Msgr. Burke was appointed Chaplain of the Precious Blood Monastery in Edmonton in 1957 and went in residence at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in August 1961.

He was made Domestic Prelate in November 1930 and Protonotary Apostolic in May 1949. He died in Edmonton on February 18, 1965 and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery.