He was born near New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, on 10 December 1830 to Martin Power, a publican, and Catherine Sutton.

At the time Carlow students could sit exams for degrees from the University of London and he was awarded a BA in 1850.

He completed his studies in the Irish College in Rome (1853-1855) and was ordained a priest there by Archbishop Paul Cullen, and returned to Dublin to serve.

[2] In Newfoundland he was responsible for many developments such as the building of St. Patrick's Church, bringing the Irish Christian Brothers and the setting up of orphanages.

[citation needed] He died in St. John's on 4 December 1893 and was succeeded by Bishop Michael Francis Howley.