Hannan, Philip M. (Philip Matthew), 1913-2011

Philip M. Hannan was born on May 20, 1913, the son of Patrick Francis Hannan and Lillian Louise (Keefe) Hannan. He received a B.A. from the Catholic University of America in 1935, and was ordained on December 8, 1939 in Baltimore. On June 16, 1956 he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, DC. On September 29, 1965 he was appointed Archbishop of New Orleans, and was intstalled in that position on October 13, 1965. Archbishop Hannan instituted a Social Apostolate program in 1966 which has grown to the point where it now provides over 20 million pounds of free food each year to 42,000 needy women, children and elderly. He revitalized Catholic Charities which soon became the largest non-governmental social service agency in the metropolitan area. Archbishop Hannan worked to keep inner-city schools open, affording a Catholic education to children from disadvantaged families. In 1987, Catholic University honored him by naming its new science center Hannan Hall and conferring upon him the honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. He also holds an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Georgetown University. He retired on December 6, 1988.