Most Rev. F. Joseph Gossman

Titular Bishop of Agunto – Archdiocese of Baltimore

Francis Joseph Gossman was born in Baltimore on April 1, 1930, the son of Frank and Mary Genevieve (Steedman) Grossman. His education began at Shrine of the Little Flower Parish School, then moved on the St. Charles College and Seminary in Catonsville. He completed his seminary formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and the North American College in Rome. Bishop Gossman was ordained on December 17, 1955 in the Chapel of the North American College by Bishop Martin J. O’Connor, Rector for the College. After his ordination, he continued his education by earning a post-graduate degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

During his ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Bishop Gossman showed his leadership in many ways. He was an assistant at the Basilica of the Assumption, Assistant Chancellor, Vice Officialis of the Archdiocese, Vice Chancellor and Officialis, member of the faculty of St. Mary’s Seminary, and Chaplain of Maryland General Hospital. On March 23, 1965 he was also named Papal Chamberlain.

On July 15, 1968, Pope Paul VI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore. He received his episcopal ordination at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen by Lawrence Cardinal Shehan on September 11, 1968. In June 1970 he was named Urban Vicar and Administrator for the needs of the Church in the City of Baltimore.

Bishop Gossman continued his pastoral ministry to the Church of Baltimore until he was transferred to the See of Raleigh on April 9, 1975. He was installed the fifth Bishop of Raleigh on May 19, 1975.

After a 31-year-long tenure and reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on June 8, 2006.

Source: The Encyclopedia of Catholic Bishops in America 1789-1989, Volume II.