BEGIN, FLOYD L. (5 February 1902--26 April 1977) served the Roman Catholic church (see CATHOLICS, ROMAN) in various capacities, including as pastor of Cleveland's St. Agnes Parish (23 January 1949-21 February 1962), and then as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland, CA. Begin was born in Cleveland, the oldest of the 7 children of Stella McFarland and Peter Begin. He attended St. Columbkille and St. Thomas Aquinas elementary schools, CATHEDRAL LATIN SCHOOL, and Loyola High School. He then studied at St. John Cathedral College in Cleveland and at North American College in Rome, Italy. Ordained in Rome 31 July 1927, Begin served there as assistant to the rector of North American College while completing doctorates in philosophy, theology and canon law.

Returning to Cleveland in the 1930s, Begin was personal secretary to Bishop JOSEPH SCHREMBS†, and Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vicar General for the diocese. He was named Monsignor in 1934. In 1938, Begin was appointed Officialis of the Diocesan Tribunal (Diocese of Cleveland) and director of both the Diocesan Council of Catholic Men and the SEVENTH NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS. He was consecrated by Archbishop EDWARD FRANCIS HOBAN† on 1 May 1947 and became his auxiliary. Begin was appointed Vicar General of the diocese on 30 March 1948. While serving St. Agnes Parish in HOUGH during a critical transition, he advocated more city services for and local acceptance of the AFRICAN AMERICANS who were his parishoners. Begin belonged to the board of the AMERICAN RED CROSS, CLEVELAND CHAPTER, and co-chaired the Hough Area Council. He is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Oakland, CA.

St. Agnes Parish Records, Diocese of Cleveland Archives.

Related Article(s)

• REFORM, CHARITY AND PHILANTHROPY
• RELIGION