John Joseph Paul

Who was John Joseph Paul?

John Joseph Paul was a Roman Catholic bishop.

Bishop Paul was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1935. In 1939, he graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. John Joseph Paul was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood on January 24, 1943, by Auxiliary Bishop William Richard Griffin at St. Rose of Viterbo Convent which is the mother house of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse. While stationed in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Father Paul help established Regis High School.

In 1955, Father Paul became rector of Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse. On October 7, 1956, Pope Pius XII created Father Paul a monsignor. In 1956, he received a masters in education degree from Marquette University. In 1966, Monsignor Paul became rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse. John Joseph Paul was appointed auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of La Crosse on May 17, 1977 and was consecrated on August 4, 1977.

On October 14, 1983 Bishop Paul became Diocesan Bishop succeeding Bishop Frederick William Freking. On December 5, 1983, Bishop Paul was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse.