William P. Callahan
Encyclopedia
William Patrick Callahan, O.F.M. Conv.
, DD
(born June 17, 1950) is an American
prelate
of the Roman Catholic Church
. On Friday, June 11, 2010, he was named Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse
by Pope Benedict XVI
, succeeding Jerome Edward Listecki
, who had become Milwaukee's Archbishop.
Bishop Callahan had previously served as Auxiliary Bishop
of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
. After the former Archbishop of Milwaukee, Timothy Michael Dolan, was named Archbishop of New York, Auxiliary Bishop Callahan was elected the Apostolic Administrator
, or temporary leader, of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He served in this role until Pope Benedict XVI
named La Crosse Bishop Listecki as the new archbishop on Saturday, November 14, 2009.
, to the late William and Ellen Callahan (who later divorce
d). The youngest of four children, he has two sisters, Roberta and JoAnn, and one brother, Jerry. He attended St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church as a child.
Callahan intended to enter Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary
after his graduation from grade school
, but was denied admission. He instead studied at the Franciscan-run St. Mary Minor Seminary
in Crystal Lake
from 1964 to 1968, and then at Junior College
in Chicago until 1969.
In 1969, Callahan entered the novitiate
of the Conventual Franciscans
in Lake Forest
. He made his profession
as a member of that religious order
on August 11, 1970. From 1970 to 1973, he attended Loyola University
in Chicago, from where obtained a Bachelor's degree
in Radio
and Television
Communication
s. He earned a Master's in Divinity
from St. Michael's College
at the University of Toronto
in 1976.
to the priesthood
by Archbishop William Cousins on April 30, 1977. He was then assigned to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
, Wisconsin
, where he served as associate pastor
at the Basilica of St. Josaphat
from 1977 to 1978.
Returning to Illinois, Callahan served as Director of Vocations
for the Conventual Franciscans from 1978 to 1984. He was associate pastor (1984–1987) and later pastor (1987–1994) at Holy Family Church in Peoria
. He was named rector
and pastor of the Basilica of St. Josaphat
in Milwaukee in 1994, and oversaw the basilica's $7.5 million restoration, which earned him a reputation as an able fundraiser. In 2005, he became spiritual director
of the Pontifical North American College
in Rome
.
of Milwaukee and Titular Bishop
of Lares by Pope Benedict XVI
. He received his episcopal consecration
on the following December 21 from Archbishop Timothy Dolan
(who was still in Milwaukee). Bishop Richard Sklba
(a Milwaukee auxiliary bishop) and Archbishop John Myers
(Archbishop of Newark, who had previously been Bishop of Peoria, where Callahan had served) were the co-consecrators
.
He is the first Conventual Franciscan ever to become a bishop in the United States
, and the first auxiliary bishop to be named to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee since 1979. Following Archbishop Dolan's appointment to the Archdiocese of New York
in February 2009, Callahan was elected as the diocesan administrator of Milwaukee on April 20, 2009. As such, he oversaw the daily administration of the Archdiocese until Pope Benedict XVI
named Bishop Listecki as the new Archbishop of Milwaukee in November 2009.
On Friday, June 11, 2010, Auxiliary Bishop Callahan was appointed Bishop of La Crosse by Pope Benedict XVI
. On August 11, 2010, Bishop Callahan was installed in office in the presence of the envoy of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Listecki of Milwaukee, Archbishop Dolan of New York, and then-Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke, who had been La Crosse's bishop in his first episcopal assignment.
Conventual Franciscans
The Order of Friars Minor Conventual , commonly known as the Conventual Franciscans, is a branch of the order of Catholic Friars founded by Francis of Assisi in 1209.-History:...
, DD
Doctor of Divinity
Doctor of Divinity is an advanced academic degree in divinity. Historically, it identified one who had been licensed by a university to teach Christian theology or related religious subjects....
(born June 17, 1950) is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
prelate
Prelate
A prelate is a high-ranking member of the clergy who is an ordinary or who ranks in precedence with ordinaries. The word derives from the Latin prælatus, the past participle of præferre, which means "carry before", "be set above or over" or "prefer"; hence, a prelate is one set over others.-Related...
of the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. On Friday, June 11, 2010, he was named Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse
Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse
The Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse covers an area of west-central Wisconsin, including the city of La Crosse and 19 counties: Adams, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Crawford, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Marathon, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Portage, Richland, Trempealeau, Vernon, and...
by Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
, succeeding Jerome Edward Listecki
Jerome Edward Listecki
Jerome Edward Listecki is an American archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church. He was an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago before serving as Bishop of La Crosse . He was named Archbishop of Milwaukee by Pope Benedict XVI on November 14, 2009...
, who had become Milwaukee's Archbishop.
Bishop Callahan had previously served as Auxiliary Bishop
Auxiliary bishop
An auxiliary bishop, in the Roman Catholic Church, is an additional bishop assigned to a diocese because the diocesan bishop is unable to perform his functions, the diocese is so extensive that it requires more than one bishop to administer, or the diocese is attached to a royal or imperial office...
of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is a Roman Catholic archdiocese headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States. It encompasses the City of Milwaukee, as well as the counties of Dodge, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha, all...
. After the former Archbishop of Milwaukee, Timothy Michael Dolan, was named Archbishop of New York, Auxiliary Bishop Callahan was elected the Apostolic Administrator
Apostolic Administrator
An apostolic administrator in the Roman Catholic Church is a prelate appointed by the Pope to serve as the ordinary for an apostolic administration...
, or temporary leader, of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He served in this role until Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
named La Crosse Bishop Listecki as the new archbishop on Saturday, November 14, 2009.
Early life and education
William Callahan was born in Chicago, IllinoisIllinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, to the late William and Ellen Callahan (who later divorce
Divorce
Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
d). The youngest of four children, he has two sisters, Roberta and JoAnn, and one brother, Jerry. He attended St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church as a child.
Callahan intended to enter Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary
Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary
Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary was an American seminary preparatory school administered by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago for young men considering the priesthood...
after his graduation from grade school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
, but was denied admission. He instead studied at the Franciscan-run St. Mary Minor Seminary
Minor seminary
A minor seminary is a secondary boarding school created for the specific purpose of enrolling teenage boys who have expressed interest in becoming priests. They are generally Roman Catholic institutions, and designed to prepare boys both academically and spiritually for vocations to the priesthood...
in Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Crystal Lake is a city located in southeastern McHenry County in northeastern Illinois, in the Chicago suburbs. It is named after Crystal Lake, a lake located west-southwest of downtown. Crystal Lake is also a suburb of the city of Chicago. The population was 38,000 at the 2000 census, but as of...
from 1964 to 1968, and then at Junior College
Junior college
The term junior college refers to different educational institutions in different countries.-India:In India, most states provide schooling through 12th grade...
in Chicago until 1969.
In 1969, Callahan entered the novitiate
Novitiate
Novitiate, alt. noviciate, is the period of training and preparation that a novice monastic or member of a religious order undergoes prior to taking vows in order to discern whether they are called to the religious life....
of the Conventual Franciscans
Conventual Franciscans
The Order of Friars Minor Conventual , commonly known as the Conventual Franciscans, is a branch of the order of Catholic Friars founded by Francis of Assisi in 1209.-History:...
in Lake Forest
Lake Forest, Illinois
Lake Forest is an affluent city located in Lake County, Illinois, United States. The city is south of Waukegan along the shore of Lake Michigan, and is a part of the Chicago metropolitan area and the North Shore. Lake Forest was founded around Lake Forest College and was laid out as a town in...
. He made his profession
Profession (religious)
The term religious profession is defined in the 1983 Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church in relation to members of religious institutes as follows:By religious profession members make a public vow to observe the three evangelical counsels...
as a member of that religious order
Roman Catholic religious order
Catholic religious orders are, historically, a category of Catholic religious institutes.Subcategories are canons regular ; monastics ; mendicants Catholic religious orders are, historically, a category of Catholic religious institutes.Subcategories are canons regular (canons and canonesses regular...
on August 11, 1970. From 1970 to 1973, he attended Loyola University
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit research university located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1870 under the title St...
in Chicago, from where obtained a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in Radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
and Television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
Communication
Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...
s. He earned a Master's in Divinity
Master of Divinity
In the academic study of theology, the Master of Divinity is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in North America...
from St. Michael's College
University of St. Michael's College
The University of St. Michael's College is a college of the University of Toronto, founded in 1852 by the Congregation of St. Basil of Annonay, France. While mainly an undergraduate college for liberal arts and sciences, St. Michael's retains its Roman Catholic affiliation through its postgraduate...
at the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
in 1976.
Priesthood
Callahan was ordainedHoly Orders
The term Holy Orders is used by many Christian churches to refer to ordination or to those individuals ordained for a special role or ministry....
to the priesthood
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
by Archbishop William Cousins on April 30, 1977. He was then assigned to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is a Roman Catholic archdiocese headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States. It encompasses the City of Milwaukee, as well as the counties of Dodge, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha, all...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, where he served as associate pastor
Curate
A curate is a person who is invested with the care or cure of souls of a parish. In this sense "curate" correctly means a parish priest but in English-speaking countries a curate is an assistant to the parish priest...
at the Basilica of St. Josaphat
Basilica of St. Josaphat
The Basilica of St. Josaphat, located in the Lincoln Village neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, is one of 62 minor basilicas found in the United States. In its grandeur and opulence it is an excellent example of the so-called Polish Cathedral style of church...
from 1977 to 1978.
Returning to Illinois, Callahan served as Director of Vocations
Vocational discernment in the Catholic Church
Vocational discernment is the process in which men or women in the Catholic Church discern, or determine, their vocation in the Church. Though one may also speak of discerning a vocation to marriage or to life as a single person, discerning a vocation most frequently refers to a special vocation...
for the Conventual Franciscans from 1978 to 1984. He was associate pastor (1984–1987) and later pastor (1987–1994) at Holy Family Church in Peoria
Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. It is named after the Peoria tribe. As of the 2010 census, the city was the seventh-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 115,007, and is the third-most populated...
. He was named rector
Rector
The word rector has a number of different meanings; it is widely used to refer to an academic, religious or political administrator...
and pastor of the Basilica of St. Josaphat
Basilica of St. Josaphat
The Basilica of St. Josaphat, located in the Lincoln Village neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, is one of 62 minor basilicas found in the United States. In its grandeur and opulence it is an excellent example of the so-called Polish Cathedral style of church...
in Milwaukee in 1994, and oversaw the basilica's $7.5 million restoration, which earned him a reputation as an able fundraiser. In 2005, he became spiritual director
Spiritual direction
Spiritual direction is the practice of being with people as they attempt to deepen their relationship with the divine, or to learn and grow in their own personal spirituality. The person seeking direction shares stories of his or her encounters of the divine, or how he or she is experiencing...
of the Pontifical North American College
Pontifical North American College
The Pontifical North American College is a Roman Catholic educational institution in Rome, Italy educating seminarians for the dioceses in the United States and providing a residence for American priests studying in Rome. It was founded in 1859 by Blessed Pope Pius IX and was granted pontifical...
in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
.
Episcopal career
On October 30, 2007, Callahan was appointed Auxiliary BishopAuxiliary bishop
An auxiliary bishop, in the Roman Catholic Church, is an additional bishop assigned to a diocese because the diocesan bishop is unable to perform his functions, the diocese is so extensive that it requires more than one bishop to administer, or the diocese is attached to a royal or imperial office...
of Milwaukee and Titular Bishop
Titular bishop
A titular bishop in various churches is a bishop who is not in charge of a diocese.By definition a bishop is an "overseer" of a community of the faithful, so when a priest is ordained a bishop the tradition of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches is that he be ordained for a specific place...
of Lares by Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
. He received his episcopal consecration
Bishop (Catholic Church)
In the Catholic Church, a bishop is an ordained minister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and is responsible for teaching the Catholic faith and ruling the Church....
on the following December 21 from Archbishop Timothy Dolan
Timothy Dolan
Timothy Michael Dolan is an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He is the tenth and current Archbishop of New York, having previously served as Archbishop of Milwaukee and Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis ....
(who was still in Milwaukee). Bishop Richard Sklba
Richard J. Sklba
Richard John Sklba is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.-Biography:...
(a Milwaukee auxiliary bishop) and Archbishop John Myers
John J. Myers
-References:...
(Archbishop of Newark, who had previously been Bishop of Peoria, where Callahan had served) were the co-consecrators
Consecrator
Consecrator is a term used in the Roman Catholic Church to designate a bishop who ordains a priest to the episcopal state. The term is often used in Eastern Rite Churches and in Anglican communities. The term "Principal Consecrator" is used to designate the primary bishop who ordains a new bishop...
.
He is the first Conventual Franciscan ever to become a bishop in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and the first auxiliary bishop to be named to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee since 1979. Following Archbishop Dolan's appointment to the Archdiocese of New York
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York covers New York, Bronx, and Richmond counties in New York City , as well as Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties in New York state. There are 480 parishes...
in February 2009, Callahan was elected as the diocesan administrator of Milwaukee on April 20, 2009. As such, he oversaw the daily administration of the Archdiocese until Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
named Bishop Listecki as the new Archbishop of Milwaukee in November 2009.
On Friday, June 11, 2010, Auxiliary Bishop Callahan was appointed Bishop of La Crosse by Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
. On August 11, 2010, Bishop Callahan was installed in office in the presence of the envoy of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Listecki of Milwaukee, Archbishop Dolan of New York, and then-Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke, who had been La Crosse's bishop in his first episcopal assignment.