Thomas Scallan

Scallan, Thomas

Thomas Scallan, Roman Catholic bishop of Nfld (b at Churchtown, Ire 1766?; d at St John's 28 May 1830). A leading Franciscan priest in Ireland, Scallan transferred to Newfoundland in 1812, became coadjutor bishop in 1816 and succeeded Bishop Patrick Lambert that same year. Scallan had to deal with major problems, including poverty arising from massive IRISH immigration, attempts to introduce laws restricting the right of Catholic priests to perform marriages, and the British government's failure to extend civil liberties (including the right to hold public office) to Newfoundland Catholics. Scallan promoted religious harmony in Newfoundland, and, unusual for his time, even attended occasional services in the Anglican church. Though handicapped by illness from 1823, Scallan did much to strengthen the Roman Catholic church and to build up good relations within the community.