Bishop Siegel celebrates a memorial Mass for Bishop Francis R. Shea

The Message photo by Megan Erbacher

Bishop Joseph M. Siegel, far right, celebrated a memorial Mass for Bishop Francis R. Shea at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville Aug. 18. Bishop Shea, who served as the third bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville, was born Dec. 4, 1913, and he was ordained a priest March 19, 1939. On Dec. 10, 1969, he was named bishop of Evansville. Bishop Shea was ordained and installed as Evansville’s bishop Feb. 3, 1970. He retired as bishop of Evansville April 11, 1989. Bishop Shea passed away Aug. 18, 1994, and he is buried in St. Joseph Cemetery in Evansville. Pictured with Bishop Siegel are concelebrant Father Joseph “Effie” Erbacher, seated at far left, senior priest; Diocesan Director of Worship Matt Miller, who served as Master of Ceremonies; and concelebrant Father Alex Zenthoefer, Vicar General and rector of St. Benedict Cathedral.