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{{Short description|English cardinal}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox Christian leader
{{Infobox Christian leader
| type = cardinal
| type = cardinal
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| name = Bernard Griffin
| name = Bernard Griffin
| honorific-suffix =
| honorific-suffix =
| title = [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|Cardinal]], [[Archbishop of Westminster]] <br>[[Archbishop of Westminster#Title of primate|Primate of England and Wales]]
| title = [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|Cardinal]], [[Archbishop of Westminster]]<br />[[Archbishop of Westminster#Title of primate|Primate of England and Wales]]
| image = Katolsk kirkefest i Trondheim. - L0018 311Fo30141604280126 (Bernard Griffin cropped).jpg
| image = Katolsk kirkefest i Trondheim. - L0018 311Fo30141604280126 (Bernard Griffin cropped).jpg
| caption = Cardinal Griffin in 1953
| caption = Cardinal Griffin in 1953
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| ordination = 1 November 1924
| ordination = 1 November 1924
| consecration = 30 June 1938
| consecration = 30 June 1938
| consecrated_by = [[Thomas Leighton Williams]]
| consecrated_by = [[Thomas Leighton Williams]], [[John Patrick Barrett]] and [[William Lee (bishop of Clifton)|William Lee]]
| cardinal = 18 February 1946
| cardinal = 18 February 1946
| created_cardinal_by = [[Pius XII]]
| rank = Cardinal Priest
| rank = Cardinal Priest
<!---------- Personal details ---------->
<!---------- Personal details ---------->
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| spouse =
| spouse =
| children =
| children =
| motto = da mihi animas (Give Me Souls)
| motto = ''Da mihi animas'' (Give me souls)
| occupation =
| occupation =
| profession =
| profession =
| alma_mater = [[English College, Rome]]
| alma_mater = [[English College, Rome]]
| signature =
| signature =
| coat_of_arms = File:Coat of Arms Bernard Griffin.svg
}}
}}
{{Infobox cardinalstyles
{{Infobox cardinalstyles
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| relstyle = (autofilled)
| relstyle = (autofilled)
}}
}}
'''Bernard William Griffin''' (21 February 1899 &ndash; 19 August 1956) was an [[United Kingdom|English]] [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|Cardinal]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Miranda |first=Salvador |title=Bernard William Griffin|url=http://www2.fiu.edu/~mirandas/bios1946.htm#Griffin|work=The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church |accessdate=2015-03-07}}</ref> He served as [[Archbishop of Westminster]] from 1943 until his death, and was elevated to the [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinalate]] in 1946 by [[Pope Pius XII]].
'''Bernard William Griffin''' (21 February 1899 &ndash; 19 August 1956) was an [[United Kingdom|English]] [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinal]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Miranda |first=Salvador |title=Bernard William Griffin |url=http://www2.fiu.edu/~mirandas/bios1946.htm#Griffin |work=The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church |access-date=2015-03-07 |archive-date=2016-05-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160507211605/http://www2.fiu.edu/~mirandas/bios1946.htm%23Spellman#Griffin |url-status=live }}</ref> He served as [[Archbishop of Westminster]] from 1943 until his death, and was elevated to the [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinalate]] in 1946 by [[Pope Pius XII]].


==Biography==
==Biography==
Bernard and his twin brother Basil were born in [[Birmingham]] to William and Helen (née Swadkins) Griffin. His father was a Bicycle Manufacturer, Birmingham City councillor and [[Justice of the Peace|justice of the peace]].<ref name="Surprise">''Time Magazine''. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,885292,00.html Surprise] 3 January 1944</ref>
Bernard and his twin brother Basil were born in [[Birmingham]] to William and Helen (née Swadkins) Griffin. His father was a bicycle manufacturer, Birmingham City councillor and [[justice of the peace]].<ref name="Surprise">[https://web.archive.org/web/20081215005048/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,885292,00.html "Surprise"]. ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''. (3 January 1944).</ref>


When the [[First World War]] broke out in 1914 both Bernard and Basil joined the [[Royal Naval Air Service]], with whom Bernard served as an [[Air Raid Precautions|air-raid warden]].<ref name="Surprise"/> During this time he suffered a heart attack but concealed it from [[physicians]] in order to avoid a [[Military discharge|discharge]] which he feared would prevent his acceptance for the priesthood.<ref>''Time Magazine''. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,809140,00.html New Archbishop] 18 February 1957</ref>
When the [[First World War]] broke out in 1914 both Bernard and Basil joined the [[Royal Naval Air Service]], with whom Bernard served as an [[Air Raid Precautions|air-raid warden]].<ref name="Surprise"/> During this time he suffered a heart attack but concealed it from [[physicians]] in order to avoid a [[Military discharge|discharge]] which he feared would prevent his acceptance for the priesthood.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930065856/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,809140,00.html "New Archbishop"]. ''Time''. (18 February 1957).</ref>


After the war Bernard went to [[St Mary's College, Oscott|Oscott College]] in Birmingham to train to be a priest. [[Holy Orders|Ordained]] to the [[Priesthood (Catholic Church)|priesthood]] on 1 November 1924, he finished his studies at the [[Venerable English College, Rome|Venerable English College]] in [[Rome]] in 1927. Griffin then worked as private secretary to [[John McIntyre (archbishop of Birmingham)|John McIntyre]], the [[Archdiocese of Birmingham|Archbishop of Birmingham]], until 1937. From 1929 to 1938, he served as [[Chancellor (ecclesiastical)|diocesan chancellor]] of Birmingham, director of studies of the [[Catholic Evidence Guild]], Catholic representative on the [[BBC]]'s religious advisory committee, and administrator of [[Diocese|diocesan]] [[Charitable organization|charitable homes]].
After the war Bernard went to [[St Mary's College, Oscott|Oscott College]] in Birmingham to train to be a priest. [[Holy orders in the Catholic Church|Ordained]] to the [[Priesthood (Catholic Church)|priesthood]] on 1 November 1924, he finished his studies at the [[Venerable English College, Rome|Venerable English College]] in [[Rome]] in 1927. Griffin then worked as private secretary to [[John McIntyre (archbishop of Birmingham)|John McIntyre]], the [[Archdiocese of Birmingham|Archbishop of Birmingham]], until 1937. From 1929 to 1938, he served as [[Chancellor (ecclesiastical)|diocesan chancellor]] of Birmingham, director of studies of the [[Catholic Evidence Guild]], Catholic representative on the [[BBC]]'s religious advisory committee, and administrator of [[Diocese|diocesan]] [[Charitable organization|charitable homes]].


On 26 May 1938, Griffin was appointed [[Auxiliary bishop|Auxiliary Bishop]] of Birmingham and [[Titular bishop|Titular Bishop]] of ''Appia''. He received his [[Bishop (Catholic Church)|episcopal consecration]] on 30 June from [[Thomas Williams (Archbishop of Birmingham)]], with [[John Barrett (bishop)|John Barrett]], [[Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth|Bishop of Plymouth]], and [[William Lee (Bishop of Clifton)]], serving as [[Consecrator|co-consecrators]], in the [[Cathedral of Saint Chad, Birmingham]]. [[Pius XII]] raised Griffin to [[Archbishop of Westminster]], and thus ranking prelate in the [[Catholic Church in England and Wales]], on 18 December 1943. At his installation mass in [[Westminster Cathedral]], he defended the sanctity of [[marriage]].<ref>''Time Magazine''. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,803176,00.html Pretty Pass] 18 February 1946</ref>
On 26 May 1938, Griffin was appointed [[Auxiliary bishop|Auxiliary Bishop]] of Birmingham and [[Titular bishop|Titular Bishop]] of Appia. He received his [[Bishop (Catholic Church)|episcopal consecration]] on 30 June from [[Thomas Williams (Archbishop of Birmingham)]], with [[John Barrett (bishop)|John Barrett]], [[Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth|Bishop of Plymouth]], and [[William Lee (Bishop of Clifton)]], serving as [[Consecrator|co-consecrators]], in the [[Cathedral of Saint Chad, Birmingham]]. [[Pius XII]] raised Griffin to [[Archbishop of Westminster]], and thus ranking prelate in the [[Catholic Church in England and Wales]], on 18 December 1943. At his installation Mass in [[Westminster Cathedral]], he defended the sanctity of [[marriage]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930075709/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,803176,00.html "Pretty Pass"]. ''Time''. (18 February 1946).</ref>


Griffin was created [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|Cardinal-Priest]] of ''[[San Gregorio Magno al Celio|Ss. Andrea e Gregorio al Monte Celio]]'' by Pius XII in the [[Papal consistory|consistory]] of 18 February 1946. At age 46, he was the youngest cardinal to be appointed at the ceremony, to which he wore the tailored ''[[Cope|cappa magna]]'' of his deceased predecessor cardinal, [[Arthur Hinsley]].<ref>''Time Magazine''. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,792623,00.html On the Roads to Rome] 31 January 1944</ref> He acted as [[papal legate]] to the [[centennial]] celebration of the [[Universalis Ecclesiae|restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in England]] in 1950.
Griffin was created [[Cardinal (Catholicism)|Cardinal-Priest]] of [[San Gregorio Magno al Celio]] by Pius XII in the [[Papal consistory|consistory]] of 18 February 1946. At age 46, he was the youngest cardinal to be appointed at the ceremony, to which he wore the tailored ''[[cappa magna]]'' of his deceased predecessor cardinal, [[Arthur Hinsley]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930031450/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,792623,00.html "On the Roads to Rome"]. ''Time''. (31 January 1944).</ref> He acted as [[papal legate]] to the [[centennial]] celebration of the [[Universalis Ecclesiae|restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in England]] in 1950.


As Cardinal, Griffin took a keen interest in the rebuilding of post-war Britain arguing especially for the provision of Catholic schools. He was seen by some as [[Liberalism|liberal]] in areas of [[Catholic social teaching|social principles]]. He also supported Sir [[William Beveridge]].<ref name="Surprise"/>
As cardinal, Griffin took a keen interest in the rebuilding of post-war Britain arguing especially for the provision of Catholic schools. He was seen by some as [[Liberalism|liberal]] in areas of [[Catholic social teaching|social principles]]. He also supported Sir [[William Beveridge]].<ref name="Surprise"/>


Griffin upheld the doctrine of the [[perpetual virginity of Mary]],<ref>TIME Magazine. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,891232-1,00.html Jesus & His Brethren] 23 May 1955</ref> and was once a president on [[The Council of Christians and Jews]].<ref>''Time Magazine''. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,861105,00.html The Catholics Leave] 10 January 1955</ref>
Griffin upheld the doctrine of the [[perpetual virginity of Mary]],<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930065913/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,891232-1,00.html "Jesus & His Brethren"]. ''Time''. (23 May 1955).</ref> and was once a president on the [[Council of Christians and Jews]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081215071831/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,861105,00.html "The Catholics Leave"]. ''Time''. (10 January 1955).</ref>


Griffin died from a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]] in [[New Polzeath]], at age 57,<ref>''Time Magazine''. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,824381,00.html Milestones] 3 September 1956</ref> and was buried at [[Westminster Cathedral]].
Griffin died from a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]] in [[New Polzeath]], at age 57,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080308012832/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,824381,00.html "Milestones"]. ''Time''. (3 September 1956).</ref> and was buried at [[Westminster Cathedral]].


His coat of arms is blazoned 'Gules issuant from a barrulet enarched in base a sweet william plant in pale Or supported by a Saint Bernard dog dexter and a griffin wings addorsed sinister Or', thus representing his full name.
His coat of arms is blazoned ''Gules issuant from a barrulet enarched in base a sweet william plant in pale Or supported by a Saint Bernard dog dexter and a griffin wings addorsed sinister Or'', thus representing his full name.


On the 22 October 1960, Bernard's twin brother, Basil, laid the foundation stone of [[Cardinal Griffin Catholic College]] in [[Cannock]], [[Staffordshire]].
On the 22 October 1960, Bernard's twin brother, Basil, laid the foundation stone of [[Cardinal Griffin Catholic College]] in [[Cannock]], [[Staffordshire]].


==Assessment==
⚫
The historian of English Catholicism Adrian Hastings assessed Griffin to be "the least important Archbishop of Westminster of the century, a nice, hard-working non-entity." Yet another English Catholic writer [[Peter Stanford]] in his book on [[Cardinal Hume]] calls Griffin "an obscure but talented provincial auxiliary."
{{norefs|section|date=November 2022}}
⚫
[[Adrian Hastings]], an historian of English Catholicism, considered Griffin to be "the least important Archbishop of Westminster of the century, a nice, hard-working non-entity", and another English Catholic writer, [[Peter Stanford]], in his book on [[Cardinal Hume]], calls Griffin "an obscure but talented provincial auxiliary."


==References==
==References==
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{{end}}
{{end}}


{{Diocese of Westminster}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:1899 births]]
[[Category:1899 births]]
[[Category:1956 deaths]]
[[Category:1956 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:Clergy from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:Alumni of St Mary's College, Oscott]]
[[Category:Alumni of St Mary's College, Oscott]]
[[Category:English College, Rome alumni]]
[[Category:English College, Rome alumni]]
[[Category:Archbishops of Westminster]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic archbishops of Westminster]]
[[Category:20th-century English cardinals]]
[[Category:20th-century British cardinals]]
[[Category:Cardinals created by Pope Pius XII]]
[[Category:Cardinals created by Pope Pius XII]]
[[Category:Burials at Westminster Cathedral]]
[[Category:Burials at Westminster Cathedral]]
[[Category:British Roman Catholic archbishops]]

Latest revision as of 08:10, 6 January 2025

His Eminence

Bernard Griffin
Cardinal, Archbishop of Westminster
Primate of England and Wales
Cardinal Griffin in 1953
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
DioceseWestminster
Appointed18 December 1943
Term ended19 August 1956
PredecessorArthur Hinsley
SuccessorWilliam Godfrey
Other post(s)Cardinal Priest of Santi Andrea e Gregorio al Monte Celio
Previous post(s)
Orders
Ordination1 November 1924
Consecration30 June 1938
by Thomas Leighton Williams, John Patrick Barrett and William Lee
Created cardinal18 February 1946
by Pius XII
RankCardinal Priest
Personal details
Born
Bernard William Griffin

(1899-02-21)21 February 1899
Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Died19 August 1956(1956-08-19) (aged 57)
New Polzeath, Cornwall, United Kingdom
BuriedWestminster Cathedral, London, England, United Kingdom
NationalityBritish
DenominationRoman Catholic
ParentsWilliam Griffin & Helen Swadkins
Alma materEnglish College, Rome
MottoDa mihi animas (Give me souls)
Coat of armsBernard Griffin's coat of arms
Styles of
Bernard Griffin
Reference styleHis Eminence
Spoken styleYour Eminence
Informal styleCardinal

Bernard William Griffin (21 February 1899 – 19 August 1956) was an English cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.[1] He served as Archbishop of Westminster from 1943 until his death, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1946 by Pope Pius XII.

Biography

[edit]

Bernard and his twin brother Basil were born in Birmingham to William and Helen (née Swadkins) Griffin. His father was a bicycle manufacturer, Birmingham City councillor and justice of the peace.[2]

When the First World War broke out in 1914 both Bernard and Basil joined the Royal Naval Air Service, with whom Bernard served as an air-raid warden.[2] During this time he suffered a heart attack but concealed it from physicians in order to avoid a discharge which he feared would prevent his acceptance for the priesthood.[3]

After the war Bernard went to Oscott College in Birmingham to train to be a priest. Ordained to the priesthood on 1 November 1924, he finished his studies at the Venerable English College in Rome in 1927. Griffin then worked as private secretary to John McIntyre, the Archbishop of Birmingham, until 1937. From 1929 to 1938, he served as diocesan chancellor of Birmingham, director of studies of the Catholic Evidence Guild, Catholic representative on the BBC's religious advisory committee, and administrator of diocesan charitable homes.

On 26 May 1938, Griffin was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham and Titular Bishop of Appia. He received his episcopal consecration on 30 June from Thomas Williams (Archbishop of Birmingham), with John Barrett, Bishop of Plymouth, and William Lee (Bishop of Clifton), serving as co-consecrators, in the Cathedral of Saint Chad, Birmingham. Pius XII raised Griffin to Archbishop of Westminster, and thus ranking prelate in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, on 18 December 1943. At his installation Mass in Westminster Cathedral, he defended the sanctity of marriage.[4]

Griffin was created Cardinal-Priest of San Gregorio Magno al Celio by Pius XII in the consistory of 18 February 1946. At age 46, he was the youngest cardinal to be appointed at the ceremony, to which he wore the tailored cappa magna of his deceased predecessor cardinal, Arthur Hinsley.[5] He acted as papal legate to the centennial celebration of the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in England in 1950.

As cardinal, Griffin took a keen interest in the rebuilding of post-war Britain arguing especially for the provision of Catholic schools. He was seen by some as liberal in areas of social principles. He also supported Sir William Beveridge.[2]

Griffin upheld the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary,[6] and was once a president on the Council of Christians and Jews.[7]

Griffin died from a heart attack in New Polzeath, at age 57,[8] and was buried at Westminster Cathedral.

His coat of arms is blazoned Gules issuant from a barrulet enarched in base a sweet william plant in pale Or supported by a Saint Bernard dog dexter and a griffin wings addorsed sinister Or, thus representing his full name.

On the 22 October 1960, Bernard's twin brother, Basil, laid the foundation stone of Cardinal Griffin Catholic College in Cannock, Staffordshire.

Assessment

[edit]

Adrian Hastings, an historian of English Catholicism, considered Griffin to be "the least important Archbishop of Westminster of the century, a nice, hard-working non-entity", and another English Catholic writer, Peter Stanford, in his book on Cardinal Hume, calls Griffin "an obscure but talented provincial auxiliary."

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Miranda, Salvador. "Bernard William Griffin". The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  2. ^ a b c "Surprise". Time. (3 January 1944).
  3. ^ "New Archbishop". Time. (18 February 1957).
  4. ^ "Pretty Pass". Time. (18 February 1946).
  5. ^ "On the Roads to Rome". Time. (31 January 1944).
  6. ^ "Jesus & His Brethren". Time. (23 May 1955).
  7. ^ "The Catholics Leave". Time. (10 January 1955).
  8. ^ "Milestones". Time. (3 September 1956).
[edit]
Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Archbishop of Westminster
1943–1956 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Cardinal priest of SS. Andrea e Gregorio al Monte Celio
1946–1956 		Succeeded by
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