Archdiocese of Dubuque

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The Archdiocese of Dubuque, an archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active metropolitan see in the northern half of Iowa in the United States. Erected on July 28, 1837, by Pope Gregory XVI and elevated to archdiocesan rank on January 15, 1893, by Pope Leo XIII, it is led by Archbishop Thomas Robert Zinkula since his installation on June 15, 2022. As the metropolitan archdiocese of the Ecclesiastical Province of Dubuque, it oversees three suffragan dioceses and serves approximately 192,000 Catholics across 139 parishes in 23 counties, highlighted by its historical role in pioneering Catholic education west of the Mississippi River through Loras College, founded in 1839.

Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Dubuque

Diocese: Archdiocese of Dubuque
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Dubuque
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Davenport; Diocese of Des Moines; Diocese of Sioux City
Country:United States
Region:Iowa
Bishop:Thomas Robert Zinkula
Website:https://dbqarch.org/
Newspaper:https://witness.dbuqarch.org/
Catholic %:11.2%
Elementary Schools:46
High Schools:12
Deaneries:18
Priests:228
Existence:1837–
Catholic Hospitals:5
Rating:3.2
Chancery Address:1229 Mt. Loretta Ave. Dubuque, IA 52003-0912

Establishment

The Archdiocese of Dubuque was canonically erected on July 28, 1837, by Pope Gregory XVI through the apostolic constitution Praefectus to serve Catholics in the Iowa Territory, then part of the vast Northwest.[1][2] It was initially a diocese encompassing present-day Iowa, with Mathias Loras appointed as its first bishop, responding to the needs of immigrant settlers and missionaries in the frontier region.

History

Early Development

The diocese grew rapidly under Bishop Loras, who established missions, schools, and Loras College (originally Columbia College) in 1839, the first Catholic college west of the Mississippi River.[3] Boundary changes occurred over time, with southern Iowa forming the Diocese of Davenport in 1881.

Elevation to Archdiocese

On January 15, 1893, Pope Leo XIII elevated the see to archdiocesan status via the bull Auspiciis sacrorum principium, with John Hennessy as the first archbishop; the southern portion became the Diocese of Davenport.[4]

20th and 21st Centuries

The archdiocese adapted to urbanization and immigration waves, constructing new cathedrals and expanding education. In 2008, the original Cathedral of St. Raphael was destroyed by arson; a new cathedral was dedicated in 2021.[5] Recent leadership under Archbishop Zinkula emphasizes synodality and evangelization.

Geography

The archdiocese comprises 23 counties in northern Iowa, covering approximately 10,427 square miles (27,000 km²):

  • Allamakee
  • Benton
  • Black Hawk
  • Bremer
  • Buchanan
  • Butler
  • Cerro Gordo
  • Chickasaw
  • Clayton
  • Delaware
  • Dubuque
  • Fayette
  • Floyd
  • Franklin
  • Grundy
  • Hardin
  • Howard
  • Iowa
  • Jones
  • Linn
  • Marshall
  • Tama
  • Winneshiek

It serves as the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Dubuque.[6][7]

Mother church

The Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque, Iowa, dedicated on June 5, 2021, serves as the mother church. The modern structure, blending contemporary and traditional elements, replaced the previous cathedral destroyed by arson in 2008 and symbolizes renewal in the archdiocese.[8]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Archbishop Thomas Robert Zinkula has led the archdiocese since June 15, 2022. Ordained a priest for the archdiocese in 1990, he previously served as Bishop of Davenport (2017–2020) and emphasizes pastoral planning, synodality, and vocations.[9][10]

Auxiliary Bishops

There are no current auxiliary bishops.

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Mathias Loras, C.M. 1837–1858 First bishop; founded Loras College.
Clement Smyth 1858–1865 Died in office.
John Hennessy 1866–1900 First archbishop (from 1893); died in office.
James J. Davis 1902–1927 Promoted Catholic education; died in office.
Francis J. L. Beckman 1929–1944 Resigned.
Gerald Francis Bergan 1946–1969 Implemented Vatican II reforms; retired.
Leo Binz 1969–1975 Transferred from Des Moines; retired.
James J. Byrne 1975–1983 Retired.
Daniel Kucera, O.S.B. 1983–1994 Former abbot; retired.
Jerome Hanus, O.S.B. 1995–2013 Promoted stewardship; retired.
Michael Jackels 2013–2020 Emphasized immigration and poverty; resigned.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[11][12]

Theological and cultural orientation

The archdiocese is balanced (rating: 3.2), with Traditional Latin Mass offered weekly in a few parishes amid predominantly Novus Ordo liturgies; social teachings balance pro-life advocacy and immigration outreach; and Archbishop Zinkula maintains a moderate stance supporting Church doctrine while engaging synodal processes.[13][14]

Statistics

As of 2021, the archdiocese covers 10,427 square miles (27,005 km²), serves 192,368 registered Catholics (11.2% of total population of 1.73 million) across 139 parishes and 12 missions, with 228 priests, 46 elementary schools, and 12 high schools.[15][16]

Religious communities

Benedictines

The Benedictine communities, including New Melleray Abbey (men) and Mount St. Scholastica Monastery (women), support retreats, education, and parish ministry. Address: 6632 Melleray Circle, Dubuque, IA 52002 (New Melleray).[17] Mount St. Scholastica

Jesuits

The Jesuits operate Loras College and provide spiritual direction. Address: 1450 Alta Vista St., Dubuque, IA 52001.[18] Jesuits

Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary focus on education and healthcare at Clarke University. Address: 3700 Plaza Dr., Dubuque, IA 52002.[19]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Archdiocese of Dubuque

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The archdiocese includes 139 parishes organized into 18 deaneries, serving diverse urban, rural, and immigrant communities with English, Spanish, and Vietnamese Masses.[20]

Mission and services

Catholic education

The archdiocese oversees 46 Catholic elementary/middle schools and 12 high schools, educating over 10,000 students.

Main article: List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Dubuque
School Name City Type Website
Beckman Catholic High School Dyersville High School https://www.beckmancatholic.org/
Columbus High School Waterloo High School https://www.columbushs.com/
... (full list at List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Dubuque)

[21]

Community outreach

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque provides food, shelter, and immigration services to over 50,000 people annually through 20+ programs.[22]

Notable events or figures

  • Bishop Mathias Loras, the "Pioneer Bishop," arrived in 1837 and built over 100 churches despite harsh frontier conditions.[23]
  • The new Cathedral of St. Raphael was dedicated in 2021 by Archbishop Zinkula, attended by over 1,500 faithful after the 2008 arson tragedy.[24]
  • Loras College, founded 1839, hosted the first U.S. papal visit west of the Mississippi when Pope Gregory XVI's representative blessed it indirectly through early missions.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Dubuque:


  • Did you know? In 1839, just two years after its founding, Bishop Mathias Loras established Loras College—the first Catholic college west of the Mississippi River—turning frontier Dubuque into an educational beacon!
  • Surprise! The original Cathedral of St. Raphael rose dramatically on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi, but after a tragic 2008 arson fire, a stunning new cathedral was dedicated in 2021, blending old stones with modern light.
  • Here's something cool: Dubuque's first bishop, Mathias Loras from France, traveled 4,000 miles by ship and stagecoach to reach Iowa Territory in 1837, braving wolves and fevers to plant the Church's flag!
  • Wow moment: The archdiocese spans 23 northern Iowa counties, home to quirky spots like the world's largest Holstein cow statue in New Hartford, watched over by faithful parishes.
  • Little-known gem: New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque houses Trappist monks who craft handmade caskets and fruitcakes, offering silent retreats that draw thousands seeking peace.
  • Fun fact: Archbishop John Hennessy, the first archbishop, planted the first Christmas tree in Iowa in 1860, sparking a holiday tradition amid Civil War tensions.
  • Did you know? The Sisters of Charity BVM, founded nearby in 1833, run Clarke University and have sent missionaries worldwide, keeping Dubuque's spirit global.
  • Surprise! Every year, the archdiocese's Eucharistic Congress gathers thousands for adoration and processions, echoing the faith of pioneers who crossed rivers for Mass.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of Dubuque". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dubuc.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    2. ↑ "History of the Archdiocese". https://dbqarch.org/about/history/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    3. ↑ "History". https://loras.edu/about/history/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    4. ↑ "Archdiocese of Dubuque". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dubuc.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    5. ↑ "Cathedral". https://dbqarch.org/cathedral/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    6. ↑ "Territory". https://dbqarch.org/about/territory/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    7. ↑ "Archdiocese of Dubuque". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dubuc.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    8. ↑ "Cathedral of St. Raphael". https://dbqarch.org/cathedral/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    9. ↑ "Archbishop Zinkula". https://dbqarch.org/office-of-the-archbishop/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    10. ↑ "Thomas Robert Zinkula". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bzinkulat.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    11. ↑ "Archdiocese of Dubuque". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dubuc.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    12. ↑ "Past Bishops". https://dbqarch.org/about/bishops/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    13. ↑ "Archdiocese of Dubuque". https://dbqarch.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    14. ↑ "The Witness". https://witness.dbuqarch.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    15. ↑ "Archdiocese of Dubuque". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dubuc.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    16. ↑ "Statistics". https://dbqarch.org/about/statistics/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    17. ↑ "New Melleray Abbey". https://www.newmelleray.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    18. ↑ "Loras College". https://loras.edu/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    19. ↑ "Sisters of Charity BVM". https://www.bvm.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    20. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://dbqarch.org/parishes/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    21. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://dbqarch.org/offices/catholic-schools/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    22. ↑ "Catholic Charities Dubuque". https://catholiccharitiesdm.org/dubuque/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    23. ↑ "Bishop Loras". https://dbqarch.org/about/bishops/loras/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    24. ↑ "Cathedral Dedication". https://dbqarch.org/cathedral/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 

    External links

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