James Frederic Wood was born in Philadelphia, April 27th, 1813, the son of English immigrants. Young James was raised as a Protestant, but after investigating Catholicism he was baptized by Archbishop Purcell of Cincinnati in April of 1836. James’ father was a merchant and James himself was involved in finance, but he left his career to enter the seminary. He was ordained a priest by Cardinal Franzoni, Prefect of the Propaganda, on March 25th, 1844. Later, on the death of the good Bishop Neumann, on January 5th, 1860, Bishop Wood succeeded to the title and full administration of the diocese. James Wood was the Archbishop of Philadelphia when Mother Maddalena came to the United States. She held this prelate in high esteem, and would have approved of the tribute paid to him after his death:
Not only was he venerated and loved by Catholics, he was esteemed by all Protestants. His case is an example how a good man and a pure citizen will be honored and respected by a whole community, without distinction of sect or creed. All respected his firm and unflinching assertion of principles, and his gentleness and charity to all.