Faithful Servant Award

Msgr. Robert Feehan served as the pastor of the Church of St. Mary in Bismarck for over 48 years from 1933 to 1981.  He was born on February 26, 1898 in Theilman, Minnesota.  He grew up and was educated in Minot, North Dakota.  He attended St. Lawrence College in Calvary, Wisconsin and then St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.  He was ordained a priest at the Church of St. Leo in Minot on June 22, 1924 by Bishop Vincent Wehrle, OSB.  

His first assignment was as associate pastor of St. Leo's in Minot.  After then serving at Holy Rosary Parish in Stanley, he was named the pastor of St. Mary's in 1933, following the sudden death of his predecessor, Fr. John Slag.  He was named a "monsignor" in 1951.  He was a much loved and respected pastor in BIsmarck, by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.  He was instrumental in the construction of the new St. Mary's Central High School at 1025 N. 2nd Street.  He was also known for his loved of the priesthood and the promotion of priestly vocations among the youngmen of his parish.

Msgr. Feehan died in his rectory from heart failure on September 9, 1981.  At 83 years old, Msgr. Feehan was the oldest priest in the diocese at the time of his death.  His funearl was celebrated at the Church of St. Mary on September 14.  He is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery. (Source:  Msgr. Gerald Walsh, I Will Appoint You Shepherds, 2008)