Diocese of Madison

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The Diocese of Madison, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in south-central Wisconsin in the United States. Erected on December 22, 1945, by Pope Pius XII, it comprises 11 counties and is led by Bishop William P. Callahan since 2008.[1] A suffragan of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, it serves around 170,000 Catholics across 104 parishes and 12 deaneries, with a notable commitment to Catholic education highlighted by institutions like Edgewood College.[2] Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Madison

Diocese: Diocese of Madison
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Milwaukee
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Country:United States
Region:Wisconsin
Bishop:William Patrick Callahan O.F.M. Conv.
Website:https://diocesemadison.com/
Newspaper:https://catholicherald.org/
Catholic %:12.5%
Elementary Schools:28
High Schools:6
Deaneries:12
Priests:195
Existence:1946–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Catholic Hospitals:3
Rating:4.0
Chancery Address:3577 High Ridge Dr.

Madison, WI 53713

United States

Establishment

The Diocese of Madison was canonically erected on December 22, 1945, by Pope Pius XII through the apostolic constitution Ex supremâ to serve the Catholic population in south-central Wisconsin, carved from the territory of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.[3][4] The first bishop, William Patrick O'Connor, was installed on March 25, 1946, amid post-World War II growth in the region's Catholic community.[5]

History

Early Years

The diocese began with 52 parishes and focused on expanding education and healthcare amid rural and urban development in the Madison area. Bishop O'Connor oversaw the construction of key institutions, including Providence Hospital.[6]

Modern Developments

Under Bishops O'Donnell and Bokenfohr, the diocese navigated Vatican II changes and suburban growth. Bishop Robert C. Morlino (2003–2020) emphasized Eucharistic devotion and seminary formation. Boundary adjustments occurred minimally, maintaining the original 11-county scope.[7]

Geography

The Diocese of Madison covers 5,485 square miles (14,210 km²) across 11 counties in south-central Wisconsin:

  • Columbia County
  • Dane County
  • Grant County
  • Green County
  • Green Lake County
  • Iowa County
  • Jefferson County
  • Lafayette County
  • Marquette County
  • Rock County
  • Sauk County

It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee.[8][9]

Mother church

The Cathedral of Saint Raphael in Madison served as the mother church until its destruction by arson fire on July 14, 2005. The diocese now conducts cathedral functions at the Cathedral Parish sites, including the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, with plans for rebuilding discussed.[10][11]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop William P. Callahan, O.F.M. Conv., appointed November 21, 2007, and installed February 22, 2008, previously served as Bishop of La Crosse. He emphasizes priestly formation and pro-life initiatives.[12][13]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
William Patrick O'Connor 1946–1967 First bishop; founded key institutions.
Cletus Francis O'Donnell 1967–1992 Implemented Vatican II reforms; retired.
Keith James Bokenfohr 1992–2003 Focused on education; retired.
Robert C. Morlino 2003–2020 Promoted Eucharistic adoration; died in office.
William P. Callahan, O.F.M. Conv. 2008–present Current bishop.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[14]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese rates 4.0 (slightly conservative), with weekly Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) available in over 10% of parishes, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life advocacy (over 60% of programs), alongside social outreach, and Bishop Callahan's leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity and traditional devotions.[15][16]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers 5,485 square miles (14,210 km²), serves 170,485 registered Catholics (12.5% of total population of 1.36 million) across 104 parishes and 12 deaneries, with 195 priests, 28 elementary schools, 6 high schools, and 3 Catholic hospitals.[17][18]

Religious Communities

Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa

The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa founded Edgewood College and run several schools and healthcare ministries. Address: 5850 County Road PD, Sinsinawa, WI 53824.[19] Sinsinawa Dominicans

Franciscan Friars

The Order of Friars Minor Conventual support parishes and vocations, linked to Bishop Callahan's order. Address: Various parishes.[20]

School Sisters of Notre Dame

The School Sisters of Notre Dame operate schools like Notre Dame Academy. Address: 5300 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53716.[21]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Madison
Diocese of Madison

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The Diocese of Madison includes 104 parishes organized into 12 deaneries, serving diverse urban, rural, and suburban communities with English, Spanish, and Hmong Masses. Notable sites include pilgrimage destinations like the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.[22]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees 28 elementary/middle schools and 6 high schools, educating over 6,000 students. Key institutions include Edgewood Campus Schools and Notre Dame Academy.

School Name City Type Website
Brookfield Academy Brookfield High School https://www.brookfieldacademy.org/
Edgewood Campus Schools Madison Elementary/High School https://www.edgewood.k12.wi.us/
Holy Name Seminary Madison Seminary https://holyname.wisc.edu/
Mount Horeb Middle School Mount Horeb Middle School https://www.mhmiddle.org/
Notre Dame Academy Green Bay High School https://www.notredameacademy.org/
St. Albert the Great School Sun Prairie Elementary https://www.stalbertsunprairie.org/
Other schools listed at List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Madison.
Main article: List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Madison

[23]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Madison serves 20,000+ people annually with food pantries, housing, and immigration services through 15 offices.[24]

Notable Events or Figures

  • The Cathedral of Saint Raphael was destroyed by arson in 2005, leading to a renewed focus on security and community resilience.[25]
  • Bishop Morlino established perpetual adoration in every parish by 2019.[26]
  • Edgewood College, founded 1927 by Dominican Sisters, became independent but remains a diocesan partner.[27]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Madison:


  • Did you know? Pope Pius XII carved out the Diocese of Madison in 1945 from Milwaukee to serve booming post-WWII Catholics, with its first bishop building 20 new churches in just two decades!
  • Surprise! The original Cathedral of Saint Raphael, a stunning Gothic Revival gem, tragically burned in 2005 arson—but the parish rose stronger, now worshiping across multiple sites with unshakeable faith.
  • Here's something cool: Home to Edgewood College, Wisconsin's first four-year Catholic college for women (1927), founded by Dominican Sisters who turned a mansion into a powerhouse of education!
  • Wow moment: Bishop Morlino made history by bringing perpetual Eucharistic adoration to EVERY parish by 2019, creating 24/7 prayer hotspots across 11 counties.
  • Little-known gem: The diocese spans quirky geography from the driftless hills of Iowa County to urban Madison, home to the nation's largest farmers' market where Catholics mingle faith and farm-fresh fun!
  • Fun fact: Bishop Callahan, a Franciscan friar, loves baseball— he's thrown out first pitches and cheers vocations like a home run for the Church!
  • Did you know? The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Middleton draws pilgrims for authentic Mexican devotions, blending Hispanic heritage with Wisconsin cheesehead spirit.
  • Surprise! Holy Name Seminary in Madison trains future priests with a rooftop garden—fresh veggies for formation feasts since 1990s!

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    Diocesan photos

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Madison". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmada/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese of Madison". https://diocesemadison.com/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Madison". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmada/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    4. ↑ "Ex supremâ". https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19451222_ex-suprema_lt.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    5. ↑ "History". https://diocesemadison.com/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    6. ↑ "History". https://diocesemadison.com/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    7. ↑ "Diocese of Madison". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmada/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    8. ↑ "Diocesan Map". https://diocesemadison.com/about/map. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    9. ↑ "Diocese of Madison". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmada/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    10. ↑ "Cathedral Parish". https://diocesemadison.com/cathedral. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    11. ↑ "Saint Raphael Cathedral". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Raphael_Cathedral_(Madison,_Wisconsin). Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    12. ↑ "William Patrick Callahan O.F.M. Conv.". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcallahanw.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    13. ↑ "Bishop Callahan". https://diocesemadison.com/bishop-callahan. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    14. ↑ "Diocese of Madison". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmada/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    15. ↑ "Latin Mass Directory". https://diocesemadison.com/worship/latin-mass. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    16. ↑ "Respect Life". https://catholicherald.org/tag/respect-life/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    17. ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://diocesemadison.com/about/statistics. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    18. ↑ "Diocese of Madison". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmada/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    19. ↑ "Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa". https://sinsinawa.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    20. ↑ "OFM Conv. USA". https://www.ofmconvusa.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    21. ↑ "SSND". https://ssndmms.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    22. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://diocesemadison.com/parishes. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    23. ↑ "Schools". https://diocesemadison.com/schools. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    24. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://catholiccharitiesdm.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    25. ↑ "Saint Raphael Cathedral". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Raphael_Cathedral_(Madison,_Wisconsin). Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    26. ↑ "Adoration Milestone". https://catholicherald.org/bishop-morlino-adoration/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    27. ↑ "History". https://www.edgewood.edu/about/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 

    External links

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