Matthew A. Harkins (November 17, 1845 – May 25, 1921) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the second bishop of the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island from 1887 until his death in 1921.
While in Paris, Harkins was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Henri Maret for the Archdiocese of Boston on May 22, 1869.[4] After studying theology and canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Harkins returned to Massachusetts in 1870. He was then appointed as curate at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Salem, Massachusetts.[5]
In 1904, the Holy See split the Diocese of Fall River out of the Diocese of Providence. This left 190,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Providence, which increased to 275,180 by 1920. Harkins increased the number of parishes from 39 to 95; most of these new parishes were erected in the cities and growing suburbs, and designated for various ethnic groups.[1] He established numerous charitable organizations and parochial schools as well.[1] He was responsible for creating the first Roman Catholic college in the diocese, Providence College, in 1917.
Due to Harkins' advancing age and declining health, the Vatican appointed two auxiliary bishops between May 1914 and October 1917, and a coadjutor bishop in April 1919 to assist him.[1]
Death and legacy
Matthew Harkins died in Providence on May 25, 1921, at age 75. Bishop Harkins Hall at Providence College is named for him.
^Smyth, James W. "RIGHT REV. MATTHEW HARKINS, D.D., THE SECOND BISHOP OF PROVIDENCE DIOCESE". History of the Catholic Church in Woonsocket and Vicinity.
