Diocese of Ferns

James Browne, Bishop of Ferns (1884-1917)

James Browne, Bog West, Mayglass, Co Wexford, became Bishop of Ferns in September 1884 at a turbulent time in Ireland, with the Land War raging for most of the first half of his episcopacy. Whilst Bishop Browne and his colleaagues in the Irish hierarchy mostly supported the tenants in improving their lot, remarkably Pope Leo XIII forbad the bishops and clergy from any kind of public support for the tenants. Indeed in April 1888 he issued a Papal Decree to this effect, albeit with much promptings from British agents. The bishops, therefore, had the almost impossible task of steering a course that, on the one hand, would not attract undue attention from their superiors in Rome, and on the other, would allow them and their clergy to show at least some support for the plight of the tenants.

The O'Shea divorce case involving Charles Steward Parnell in November 1890 proved to be a major issue for the Irish people on which Bishop Browne and the hierarchy were forced to take a position. The relative peace of the early 1900s was shattered by the outbreak of World War 1 in 1914 when Bishop Browne gave refuge to a group of displaced Belgian Benedictines in Edermine.

Ordained from Maynooth in 1865 and consecrated bishop at 42, he was one of the youngest bishops of the Diocese of Ferns. During his near 33 year episcopate in a flourishing and dominant church, he was a strong promoter of education and was instrumental in furthering the development of St Peter's Seminary.

He wholeheartedly fostered the cause of temperance, energetically supported church building and renovation throughout the Diocese, and wisely guided his flock each year in his clear and positive Lenten Pastorals.

In the autumn of 1909, there were extensive and genuine celebrations throughout the Diocese to mark the Silver Jubilee of his consecration as bishop. "His gentle and courteous manner, his broadness of mind and his deep insight made him a much-loved leader and guide of his people."

He died on 21 June 1917, aged 74, and was the last bishop to be interred within the walls of St Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy.

This volume, written by his grand-nephews, tells the interesting and memorable story of this very private and humble bishop, who, while avoiding political involvement, made a notable contribution to the welfare and growth of his beloved diocese.

Authors: Fr Bill Cosgrave is parish priest of Monageer, Ferns, Co Wexford. His brother, Nick, is an accountant who lives in Clonhaston, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. They are grand-nephews of Bishop Browne, their father, Nicholas, being the bishop's nephew.

James Browne (b 1842) His Life and Episcopal Ministry (€10 per copy) is available from

Cenacle Christian Book Shop, Henrietta Street, Wexford

The Book Centre, South Main Street, Wexford

Fr. Bill Cosgrave, P.P., Monageer, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Phone 053 9233530

Nick Cosgrave, Clonhaston, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Phone 086 8112710