Gerald Thomas Bergan

Gerald Bergan was born in Peoria, Illinois, to William and Mary (née O'Connell) Bergan.[1] After graduating from Spalding Institute in his native city, he attended St. Viator College in Bourbonnais, where he excelled in athletics.[2] He continued his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.[1] He was ordained to the priesthood on October 28, 1915.[3] Upon his return to the United States, he served as chancellor and vicar general of the Diocese of Peoria, and rector of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.[1]

On March 24, 1934, Bergan was appointed the third Bishop of Des Moines, Iowa, by Pope Pius XI.[3] He received his episcopal consecration on the following June 13 from Cardinal George Mundelein, with Bishops Joseph Schlarman and Henry Rohlman serving as co-consecrators.[3] He established a diocesan newspaper called The Messenger.[4] At the eighth National Eucharistic Congress in 1941, he spoke on labor-management relations, asserting that the employer must permit workers to engage in collective bargaining.[5] He also called for a single union for both labor and capital, and suggested that long-serving employees should have a share in the management of an enterprise.[5]

Bergan was named the second Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska, on February 7, 1948.[3] During his administration, more than $80 million was spent for new Catholic schools, churches, and hospitals in the archdiocese.[5] This caused him to become known as the "building bishop".[6] Between 1962 and 1965, he attended all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council. After 21 years in Omaha, he retired as Archbishop on June 11, 1969; he was appointed Titular Archbishop of Tacarata on the same date.[3] He later resigned his titular see on January 28, 1971.[3]

Bergan died at age 80. Bergan Mercy Medical Center and Archbishop Bergan High School are named in his honor.