Hugh MacDonald (bishop of Aberdeen)

Hugh MacDonald, C.SS.R., (1841–1898) was a Roman Catholic clergyman who served as the Bishop of Aberdeen from 1890 to 1898.

Early life

Born in Borrodale on the Isle of Skye on 7 November 1841, he was the second son of Angus MacDonald and Mary MacDonald (née Watson). His younger brother was Angus MacDonald, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh. Hugh MacDonald was educated at St Cuthbert's College, Ushaw. On the completion of his studies, he taught there for a year as Professor of Humanities.

Priestly career

Ordained to the priesthood on 21 September 1867, he acted for two or three years as a secular priest in Greenock. Subsequently joining the Congregation of the Redemptorists, he entered upon his new vocation with great energy, conducting missions all over the world, but proving especially valuable in the Highlands from his thorough acquaintance with the Gaelic language. For several years he acted as rector of the Redemptorist Monastery at Kinnoull, and after holding several other important offices, he was appointed Provincial of the Order.

Episcopal career

He was appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Aberdeen by the Holy See on 14 August 1890, and consecrated to the Episcopate on 23 October 1890. The principal consecrator was Archbishop William Smith, and the...
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