His Excellency, The Most Reverend

Kevin Michael Birmingham
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
SeeArchdiocese of Chicago
AppointedSeptember 11, 2020
InstalledNovember 13, 2020
Term endedOctober 2, 2023
Other post(s)Titular Bishop of Dolia (2020–2023)
Orders
OrdinationMay 24, 1997
by Francis George
ConsecrationNovember 13, 2020
by Blase J. Cupich, John R. Manz, and Joseph N. Perry
Personal details
Born(1971-10-07)October 7, 1971
Oak Lawn, Illinois, U.S.
DiedOctober 2, 2023(2023-10-02) (aged 51)
Riverside, Illinois, U.S.
EducationLoyola University Chicago
University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Niles College Seminary
MottoTend my people
Styles of
Kevin Michael Birmingham
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Religious styleBishop

Kevin Michael Birmingham (October 7, 1971 – October 2, 2023) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who was named auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2020.

Biography

Early life

Kevin Birmingham was born on October 7, 1971, in Oak Lawn, Illinois, the seventh of ten children. He attended public primary school in the Chicago Ridge School District in Chicago Ridge, Illinois. Birmingham then entered Quigley Preparatory Seminary South in Chicago. To pay for bus transportation to Quigley, Birmingham worked a paper route and odd jobs.[1]

After graduating from Quigley, Birmingham entered Loyola University Chicago in 1987. He was originally planning to major in computer science but soon decided to enter the priesthood. Birmingham transferred in 1989 to Niles College Seminary at Loyola, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree. Birmingham then attended University of St. Mary of the Lake, obtaining a degree in 1997.[2][1]

Priesthood

On May 24, 1997, Birmingham was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Francis George.[3] After his ordination, Birmingham traveled to Mexico City, where he celebrated his second mass as a priest at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.[1][2]

Returning to Illinois, Birmingham was assigned as associated pastor for St. Peter Claver Mission Parish in Robbins, Illinois. He was transferred in 2001 to the same position at St. Benedict Parish in Blue Island, Illinois. In 2001, Birmingham started serving at St. Francis of Assisi Paris in Orland Park, Illinois.[2] In 2005, Birmingham was named pastor of St. Anne Parish in Hazel Crest, Illinois, staying there until 2011.[2] From 2005 to 2009, he also served on the Priests’ Placement Board for the archdiocese. Birmingham joined the Presbyteral Council in 2006. In 2011, he was appointed pastor of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Chicago and in 2013 dean of Deanery III-A.[2]

Episcopal ministry

Pope Francis appointed Birmingham as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago and titular bishop of Dolia on September 11, 2020.[4][5][6][7] On November 13, 2020, he was consecrated at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.[3]

On weekends, Birmingham celebrated mass in Spanish at St. John Berchmans Parish in Chicago.[1]

Birmingham was episcopal vicar of Vicariate IV in Chicago. When Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Joseph N. Perry on September 19, 2023, Blase Cardinal Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, appointed Birmingham to be Perry's replacement as episcopal vicar of Vicariate VI.[8]

Death

Birmingham died in his sleep on October 2, 2023, five days before his 52nd birthday.[9][10][11][12]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Bishop Birmingham: He has a 'very pastoral approach'". Chicago Catholic. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Auxiliary Bishops - Archdiocese of Chicago". www.archchicago.org. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  3. 1 2 "Bishop Kevin Michael Birmingham [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  4. ↑ "Pope Francis Names Three New Auxiliary Bishops of Chicago". Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Pope Francis names three auxiliary bishops for Chicago Archdiocese". Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  6. ↑ "Franciscan Friars of the Renewal co-founder among Chicago's new auxiliary bishops". Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  7. ↑ "Pope Francis Names Three New Auxiliary Bishops For Archdiocese Of Chicago". Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Two Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishops Retire, Interim Vicars Appointed: Pope Francis has accepted the resignations of Bishop Joseph N. Perry and Bishop Andrew P. Wypych". Archdiocese of Chicago. 19 September 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  9. ↑ "Synod Retreat, Day 2 -Holy Mass". Facebook: Vatican News, English. 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  10. ↑ "Join Us in Prayer for the repose of the soul of Bishop Kevin Birmingham". Archdiocese of Chicago Facebook Page. Facebook Meta. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  11. ↑ "BISHOP KEVIN BIRMINGHAM DIED". St, Augustine Catholic Parish Midlothian. eCatholic. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  12. ↑ "Synod Retreat: Homily during Mass for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels". Vatican News - English. 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.

Episcopal succession


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