Archbishop Philip Francis Pocock

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Philip Francis Pocock was born in St. Thomas, Ontario on July 2, 1906.  He studied Theology at St. Peter's Seminary, London and was ordained on June l4, 1930 by Bp. Denis P. O'Connor of Peterborough at St. Peter's Cathedral, London.  Father Pocock worked in two parishes until 1933 when he went to Rome for graduate studies and obtained the degree of Doctor of Canon Law.  On his return to London he was appointed to the staff of St. Peter's Seminary where he taught Moral Theology and Canon Law until 1944.

On April 7, 1944, Father Pocock was appointed Bishop of Saskatoon.  He was consecrated in St. Peter's Cathedral, London, by Most Reverend Ildebrando Antoniutti, Apostolic Delegate of Canada.  On June 16, 1951, Bishop Pocock was named Apostolic Administrator of Winnipeg, and on August 6 of the same year, Coadjutor Archbishop of Winnipeg.  Abp. Pocock succeeded to the See as Archbishop on January 14, 1952.

Due to Card. McGuigan's poor health, Abp. Pocock was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Toronto on February l8, 1961.  He succeeded to the See of Toronto and became Archbishop upon Cardinal McGuigan's resignation, March 30, 1971.

Archbishop Pocock did his utmost to ease turmoil caused by the decisions of Vatican II. He created the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and the Senate of Priests.  The laity were encouraged to participate in church decisions, the liturgy and charitable works. During these years, two Auxiliary Bishops, Thomas B. Fulton and Aloysius Ambrozic were consecrated, and forty-five new parishes were established.  Archbishop Pocock also withdrew the Council of Catholic Charities from the United Way and established Sharelife as a Catholic alternative in opposition to United Way's support of Planned Parenthood clinics.  Archbishop Pocock was also involved in improving Catholic education, lobbying for legislation against pornography, and encouraging interfaith relations and activities.

On April 29, 1978, Archbishop Pocock resigned the See of Toronto and took up residence at St. Mary's Parish, Brampton.  He remained active as a priest, celebrating mass at elementary schools, confirming students, and visiting a senior citizens' home as well as performing his parish duties.  He died on September 6, 1984 and was interred in Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill.