Diocese of Belleville
The Diocese of Belleville, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese serving the Catholic community in the southern portion of Illinois in the United States. Established on July 7, 1887, by Pope Leo XIII, it comprises 28 counties and is led by Bishop Michael McAteer since his installation on March 26, 2024.[1] A member of the Ecclesiastical Province of Chicago, the diocese oversees 109 parishes and is renowned for the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, a major pilgrimage site that attracts over 1 million visitors annually.[2]
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Belleville
| Diocese: Diocese of Belleville | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Chicago |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Chicago |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Illinois |
| Bishop: | Michael McAteer |
| Website: | https://diobelle.org/ |
| Newspaper: | https://www.bdmessenger.com/ |
| Catholic %: | 8.5% |
| Elementary Schools: | 24 |
| High Schools: | 6 |
| Deaneries: | 12 |
| Priests: | 130 |
| Existence: | 1887– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Alton |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 3 |
| Rating: | 4.0 |
| Chancery Address: | 222 South Third Street
Belleville, IL 62220-1901 United States |
Establishment
The Diocese of Belleville was canonically erected on July 7, 1887, by Pope Leo XIII through the apostolic constitution Officium supremum, carved from the eastern portion of the Diocese of Alton.[3][4] This creation addressed the growing Catholic population in southern Illinois, primarily German and Irish immigrants, with Belleville selected as the see city due to its central location and Catholic institutions.
History
The diocese experienced steady growth in its early years, marked by church construction and immigration. Bishop Henry Althoff, who served from 1895 to 1941, oversaw significant expansion, including the establishment of numerous parishes and schools.[5]
In the 20th century, boundary adjustments occurred minimally, but the diocese adapted to urbanization and post-Vatican II changes. Bishop Wilton Gregory (1993–2001) later became the first African-American archbishop in the U.S. when appointed to Atlanta.[6] The diocese faced challenges like clergy abuse scandals in the 2000s, leading to settlements and reforms under Bishop Edward Braxton.
Geography
The Diocese of Belleville encompasses the 28 southernmost counties of Illinois, covering approximately 7,236 square miles (18,740 km²):
- Alexander
- Bond
- Calhoun
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Edwards
- Effingham
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Gallatin
- Hamilton
- Hardin
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jersey
- Johnson
- Lawrence
- Madison
- Marion
- Massac
- Monroe
- Perry
- Pope
- Pulaski
- Randolph
- Richland
- Saline
- St. Clair
- Union
- Wabash
- Washington
- Wayne
- White
- Williamson
It falls within the Ecclesiastical Province of Chicago.[7]
Mother church
The Cathedral of Saint Peter in Belleville serves as the mother church. Completed in 1885 and designated a cathedral upon the diocese's erection, it features Gothic Revival architecture and underwent restoration in the 1990s.[8]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Michael McAteer, appointed by Pope Francis on January 9, 2024, and installed on March 26, 2024, previously served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit. He emphasizes evangelization and priestly formation.[9][10]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| John McMullen | 1887–1893 | First bishop; died in office. |
| Henry D. Althoff | 1895–1941 | Longest-serving bishop (46 years); oversaw major expansion. |
| Joseph A. Zuroweste | 1941–1976 | Promoted Catholic education; died in office. |
| James P. Keleher | 1977–1993 | Implemented Vatican II reforms; appointed auxiliary of Chicago. |
| Wilton D. Gregory | 1993–2001 | First African-American ordinary; transferred to Archdiocese of Atlanta. |
| Edward K. Braxton | 2005–2020 | Focused on social justice and theology; retired. |
| Michael McAteer | 2024–present | Current bishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[11][12]
Theological and cultural orientation
The diocese rates as somewhat conservative (4.0), with Traditional Latin Mass offered weekly in several parishes, a strong emphasis on pro-life initiatives alongside social services, and leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity under Bishop McAteer.[13][14]
Statistics
As of 2023, the diocese covers 7,236 square miles (18,740 km²), serves 98,135 registered Catholics (8.5% of total population of 1.15 million) across 109 parishes and 12 deaneries, with 130 priests, 24 elementary schools, and 6 high schools.[15][16]
Religious Communities
Benedictines
The Sisters of Saint Benedict of Belleville operate monasteries, schools, and retreats, including Mount St. Benedict Monastery. Address: 1500 St. Benedict Lane, Belleville, IL 62223.[17] Sisters of St. Benedict
Franciscans
The Conventual Franciscans staff parishes and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Address: 9500 West Illinois 15, Belleville, IL 62223.[18]
Others
Communities like the Sisters of the Precious Blood and Salvatorians engage in education and missions.[19]
Parishes
| Diocese of Belleville |
|---|
|
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese includes 109 parishes organized into 12 deaneries, serving diverse urban, rural, and Appalachian communities with English, Spanish, and Polish liturgies. Notable sites include the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.[20]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports 24 elementary/middle schools and 6 high schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Althoff Catholic High School | Belleville | High School | https://www.althoff.org/ |
| Father McGivney Catholic Central High School | Glen Carbon | High School | https://www.father.mcgivney.cc/ |
| Gibault Catholic High School | Waterloo | High School | https://www.gibault.org/ |
| Mater Dei Catholic High School | Breese | High School | https://www.materdeiknights.org/ |
| Nashville Community High School | Nashville | High School | https://www.nashville-chs.org/ |
| Okawville High School | Okawville | High School | https://www.okawvilleth.com/ |
| St. John the Baptist (elementary example) | Piopolis | Elementary | |
| (Full list of 24 elementary schools available via diocesan directory; summarized here for brevity with link to List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Belleville) |
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Belleville serves over 50,000 people annually with food pantries, housing, and immigration services across 28 counties.[22]
Notable Events or Figures
- Bishop Henry Althoff dedicated over 100 churches during his 46-year tenure, earning him the title "Builder of Churches."[23]
- The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows hosted the U.S. Catholic Conference on Vocations in 1976, drawing national attention.[24]
- Bishop Wilton Gregory's tenure advanced racial justice dialogues post-1990s.[25]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Belleville:
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Belleville". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbell/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows". https://www.shrineofourladyofthesnows.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Belleville". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbell/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocese History". https://diobelle.org/about/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocese History". https://diobelle.org/about/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Belleville". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbell/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Territory Map". https://diobelle.org/about/territory-map. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Peter". https://diobelle.org/cathedral. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Belleville". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbell/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Bishop Michael McAteer". https://diobelle.org/bishop-mcateer. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Belleville". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbell/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "List of Bishops". https://diobelle.org/about/bishops. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Liturgy and Worship". https://diobelle.org/worship/liturgy. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Respect Life". https://diobelle.org/respect-life. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://diobelle.org/about/statistics. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Belleville". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbell/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Sisters of St. Benedict". https://osb.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Conventual Franciscans". https://www.franciscans.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Religious Orders". https://diobelle.org/religious. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Parish Directory". https://diobelle.org/parishes. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://diobelle.org/schools. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://catholiccharitiesdiocesebelleville.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Diocese History". https://diobelle.org/about/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Shrine History". https://www.shrineofourladyofthesnows.org/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ↑ "Wilton D. Gregory". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bgregoryw.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01.