Francis Joseph Tief

Francis Tief was born in Port Chester, New York, to John and Catherine (née Glynn) Tief, who were both from Ireland.[1] After studying at Niagara University for one year, he attended St. Bonaventure's College in Allegany, from where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1905.[1] Tief was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Charles H. Colton on June 13, 1908.[2] He briefly served as a curate at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in New York City before becoming the first resident pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Webb City, Missouri.[1] In 1910 he became rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, and was named vicar general of the Diocese of Kansas City in 1916.[3]

On December 16, 1920, Tief was appointed the third Bishop of Concordia, Kansas, by Pope Benedict XV.[2] He received his episcopal consecration on March 30, 1921 from Bishop Thomas Francis Lillis, with Bishops Peter Muldoon and John Henry Tihen serving as co-consecrators.[2] He was installed at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Concordia on the following April 6.[3] During his tenure, Tief built or renovated eight churches, eight rectories, six schools, two convents, an elderly home, the Home of the Little Flower in Concordia (1924), St. Mary's Hospital in Manhattan (1936), St. Joseph's College and Military Academy in Hays (1931), and Marymount College in Salina (1922).[3] He ordained 28 priests, built a new episcopal residence and chancery in Concordia (1926–1927), and established the Northwestern Kansas Register as the diocesan newspaper in 1937.[3] He also pioneered the religious vacation school movement which officially began in 1927.[3]

After 17 years of service, Tief resigned as Bishop due to ill health on June 11, 1938; he was named Titular Bishop of Nisa in Lycia on the same date.[2] He retired to his native Port Chester, where he served as pastor of Sacred Heart Church and died over 27 years later, aged 84.[1]