The Most Reverend Edward John Herrmann, D.D.

Bishop Herrmann’s concern for people began with his family in Maryland. He was born November 6, 1913, in Baltimore Maryland, the son of Walter E. Herrmann and Jennie Doyle Herrmann, who were Episcopalians. His parents owned a small grocery store until his Father died of influenza in 1918. Edward was baptized a Catholic in 1919 by Fr. Thomas J. Toolen.

After attending St. Bernard and St. James grade schools, Edward graduated from Loyola High School in Baltimore in 1931. He went to work for the American Oil Company in Baltimore to help support his family during the Depression. He studied at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmittsburg, Maryland and was ordained a priest on June 12, 1947, in the Basilica of the Assumption, Baltimore, by Bishop John McNamara. He served the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., as an assistant pastor, pastor, and assistant chancellor. He was named Titular Bishop of Lamzella and Auxiliary Bishop of Washington by Pope Paul VI and was ordained a bishop on April 26, 1966 by Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle at St. Matthew Cathedral, Washington. He was also named vicar general and chancellor of that archdiocese.

He was named Bishop of Columbus by Pope Paul VI on June 26, 1973 and was installed as Ninth Bishop of Columbus on August 21, 1973. He retired September 18, 1982, but remained as diocesan administrator until April 25, 1983, when Bishop James A. Griffin succeeded him.

Bishop Herrmann’s service in Columbus was highlighted by a reorganization of the Diocese into the 15 vicariates it is divided into today, the Emmaus program for priests, and support of community housing and food programs. The Emmaus Spirituality Program in 1981 and 1982 was a significant spiritual program for priests to bring them closer to Jesus as individuals and as a group.

Bishop Herrmann also played a key role in establishing Operation Feed in Columbus. Deeply touched by the people he saw daily seeking food at St. Joseph Cathedral, he contacted other church, civic, and government officials to begin a countywide food drive that is now operated by the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and the United Way of Franklin County. Operation Feed now provides millions of meals every year to Franklin County’s hungry.

Following his retirement, Bishop Herrmann resided at St. Ann Infant and Maternity Home in Hyattsville, Maryland. He returned to Columbus in November, 1991, to continue his ministry as a priest and bishop emeritus of the Diocese. Following a stroke in 1995, Bishop Herrmann took residence in St. Raphael’s Home for the Aged. He passed away December 22, 1999, and is entombed in the crypt of St. Joseph Cathedral.