Background
Fearns, John M. A. was born on June 25, 1897 in New York City. Son of Robert Joseph and Margaret Ann (McLaughlin) Fearns.
Fearns, John M. A. was born on June 25, 1897 in New York City. Son of Robert Joseph and Margaret Ann (McLaughlin) Fearns.
Student Gregorian U., Rome, 1924-1925.
Ordained priest Roman Catholic Church, 1922, named domestic prelate, 1941, prothonotary apostolic, 1950. Assistant in chs., New York City, New Rochelle, New York, 1923. Chaplain, instructor catechetics St. Clare’s Academy, Hastings, New York, 1925-1926.
Assistant Church of Resurrection, Rye, New York, 1927-1930. Professor moral theology and canon law St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, New York, 1930-1940. President St. Joseph’s College and Seminary, 1940-1956.
Pastor St. Francis de Sales Church, New York City, 1956-1966, St. Patrick’s Church, Newburgh, New York, 1966-1972. Consecrated auxiliary bishop of New York and titular bishop of Geras, 1957. Episcopal vicar Orange and Rockland Counties, New York, 1966-1972.
Member matrimonial court Archdiocese New York, 1931-1938, judge, 1938-1940. Member Orange County Mental Health Board, 1966-1971. Charter; member National Catholic Education Association (Vice-President seminary section 1945, Executive Board 1946, 53-56), Canon Law Society, Marian Society, St. Paul’s Guild (American representative), Association Bishops English Speaking Countries, Conference Catholic American Bishops (member priestly formation committee 1965-1970, liaison committee for religious 1966-1970, doctrine committee, commission human values.