Edmond Heelan

Edmond Heelan (February 5, 1868 – September 20, 1948) was an Irish-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City in Iowa from 1920 until his death in 1948.

Early life
Heelan was born on February 5, 1868, in Elton, County Limerick, Ireland, to John and Anne (née Quish) Heelan. He studied philosophy and theology at All Hallows College in Dublin.

Heelan was ordained to the priesthood in Dublin for the Diocese of Dubuque on June 24, 1890. After his ordination, he immigrated to United States, where he was appointed as a curate St. Raphael's Cathedral Parish in Dubuque, Iowa. Heelan was appointed rector at St. Raphael's in 1893. In 1897, he was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Auxiliary Bishop and Bishop of Sioux City
On December 21, 1918, Heelan was appointed as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City and titular bishop of Gerasa by Pope Benedict XV. He received his episcopal consecration on April 8, 1919, from Archbishop James Keane, with Bishops James J. Davis and Patrick McGovern serving as co-consecrators. As an auxiliary bishop, he served as rector of the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

Following the death of Bishop Philip Garrigan, Benedict XV appointed Heelan as the second bishop of Sioux City on March 8, 1920. During his term as bishop, Neelan greatly expanded Catholic education in the diocese.

Heelan attended the 1928 International Eucharistic Conference in Sydney, Australia. In 1929, Heelan donated land in Sioux City to the Sisters of St. Francis for the establishment of Briar Cliff College for women. He was named assistant to the papal throne in 1941 by Pope Pius XII.

Heelan died on September 20, 1948, at age 80 in Sioux City. Heelan Hall at Brier Cliff is named after him.