Diocese of Biloxi
The Diocese of Biloxi, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the United States, serving the southern portion of Mississippi. Established on March 1, 1977, by Pope Paul VI, it was formed from the southern counties of the former Diocese of Natchez-Jackson. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Mobile and is led by Bishop Louis Frederick Kihneman III since 2017.
As a relatively young diocese in a region with deep historical Protestant roots, it ministers to a Catholic population representing about 6.6% of the total residents in its territory, emphasizing pastoral care, education, and evangelization along the Gulf Coast. Its mother church is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi, a significant landmark for the faithful in South Mississippi.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Biloxi
| Diocese: Diocese of Biloxi | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Mobile |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Mobile |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Mississippi |
| Bishop: | Louis Frederick Kihneman III |
| Website: | https://biloxidiocese.org/ |
| Newspaper: | https://gulfpinecatholic.com |
| Catholic %: | 6.6% |
| Elementary Schools: | 13 |
| High Schools: | Several (part of 14 total schools) |
| Priests: | 77 |
| Existence: | 1977– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Natchez-Jackson |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | 1790 Popps Ferry Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532, United States |
Establishment
The Diocese of Biloxi was established on March 1, 1977, by Pope Paul VI through the division of the southern 17 counties from the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson. Bishop Joseph Lawson Howze, the first African American bishop to head a U.S. diocese in the 20th century, was appointed as its founding bishop and installed on June 6, 1977, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This creation reflected the growth of the Catholic population in southern Mississippi and the need for more localized pastoral governance in the Gulf Coast region.
History
Early Years
Following its erection in 1977, the diocese focused on building infrastructure, supporting parishes, and serving a diverse population including those affected by the coastal environment and economy. Bishop Howze provided foundational leadership until 2001.
Subsequent bishops included Thomas John Rodi (2001–2008, later Archbishop of Mobile), Roger Morin (2009–2016), and the current ordinary, Louis Frederick Kihneman III (installed 2017). The diocese has navigated challenges such as natural disasters while expanding educational and charitable works.
Geography
The Diocese of Biloxi encompasses 17 counties in southern Mississippi: Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, George, Stone, Pearl River, Greene, Perry, Forrest, Lamar, Marion, Walthall, Wayne, Jones, Covington, Jefferson Davis, and Lawrence. It covers approximately 9,656 square miles (25,001 km²) from the Alabama-Mississippi state line to the lower Mississippi-Louisiana state line, extending northward.
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Mobile.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi serves as the mother church and episcopal see. It has been the site of key events, including the installation of all bishops of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Louis Frederick Kihneman III has served as the fourth Bishop of Biloxi since his installation on April 28, 2017. He continues to guide the diocese in its mission of evangelization and service.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Lawson Howze | 1977–2001 | First bishop; pioneering African American leader |
| Thomas John Rodi | 2001–2008 | Later appointed Archbishop of Mobile |
| Roger Morin | 2009–2016 | Focused on pastoral ministry |
| Louis Frederick Kihneman III | 2017–present | Current ordinary |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Diocese of Biloxi maintains a balanced (moderate) orientation, rated approximately 3.5. It supports the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass in select locations (such as weekly at Our Lady of the Gulf in Bay St. Louis) while maintaining the normative liturgy. Leadership emphasizes both doctrinal fidelity and outreach to the Gulf Coast community.
Statistics
As of recent data (around 2023), the diocese serves approximately 54,520 registered Catholics (about 6.6% of the total population of 831,202) across 51 parishes and missions, with 77 priests and additional deacons and religious.
Religious Communities
Various religious orders and communities support the diocese's mission in education, healthcare, and pastoral care. Details are available through diocesan directories.
Parishes
| Diocese of Biloxi |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese includes 51 parishes and missions serving the 17 southern counties, reflecting a mix of coastal, rural, and growing suburban communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The Diocese of Biloxi operates 13 diocesan schools and one private Catholic school, providing faith-based education from elementary through high school levels.
Notable institutions include Nativity BVM Elementary, St. Patrick Catholic High School, and Sacred Heart schools.
Community Outreach
The diocese engages in charitable works, pro-life ministries, youth programs, and support for families through offices dedicated to evangelization, marriage and family life, and social services.
Notable Events or Figures
The appointment of Bishop Joseph Lawson Howze as the first bishop marked a historic milestone for the Church in the United States. The diocese continues to foster vocations and respond to the spiritual needs of the Gulf Coast.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Biloxi:
- Did you know? Established in 1977, the Diocese of Biloxi is one of the younger dioceses in the United States, yet it quickly became a vibrant center of faith along the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast!
- Surprise! Its first bishop, Joseph Lawson Howze, was the first African American bishop to lead a U.S. diocese in the 20th century, breaking barriers with grace and dedication.
- Fun fact: The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has hosted the installation of every bishop in the diocese's history, standing as a beacon of faith since the founding.
- Here's something cool: The diocese serves 17 counties with a mix of coastal parishes and inland communities, bringing the Gospel to both beachgoers and rural families alike.
- Wow moment: Catholic schools in the diocese, including historic institutions like St. Stanislaus College, have educated generations while integrating strong faith formation.
- Little-known gem: Parishes along the Gulf offer unique opportunities for spiritual renewal, with the diocese actively promoting mercy and evangelization initiatives.
- Fun twist: Despite being in the Bible Belt, the Catholic community here thrives with diverse devotions and a strong sense of hospitality rooted in Southern and Gulf Coast culture.
These highlights remind us of the living faith that continues to flourish in South Mississippi. The Diocese of Biloxi invites everyone to encounter Christ in its parishes, schools, and ministries. Visit one of the historic sites or join in prayer soon!
Associated saints
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Diocesan photos
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References
External Links
- Official Website
- The Gulf Pine Catholic (Diocesan Newspaper)
- Catholic Schools