Paul Joseph Nussbaum, C.P. (September 7, 1870—June 24, 1935) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas (1913-1920) and Bishop of Sault Sainte Marie-Marquette, Michigan (1922-1935).[1] He was the first Passionist bishop in the United States.[2]
Henry Nussbaum was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Bernard and Louise (née Erne) Nussbaum.[3] He was orphaned at a young age and was subsequently raised by his relatives.[2] He made his profession as a member of the Congregation of the Passion (more commonly known as the Passionists) on July 24, 1887, taking the religious name of Paul Joseph.[2] Later that year he was sent to do missionary work in Argentina, where he was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1894.[1] He remained in Argentina until 1904, when he was recalled to the United States. He served as a curate in West Hoboken, New Jersey, and Dunkirk, New York.[2] From 1908 to 1913, he served as a consultor for St. Paul of the Cross Province.[3]
On April 4, 1913, Nussbaum was appointed the first Bishop of the newly-erected Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas, by Pope Pius X.[1] He received his episcopal consecration on the following May 20 from Archbishop Giovanni Bonzano, with Bishops John Joseph O'Connor and Charles Edward McDonnell serving as co-consecrators.[1] He was the first member of his order to become a bishop in the United States.[2]. He was later installed at Corpus Christi Cathedral on June 8, 1913.[1] He founded St. Ann's Society for married women, and promoted the Forty Hours' Devotion and daily Communion.[3] He also emphasized Catholic education and doubled the number of parochial schools in the diocese.[3] In 1918 he was seriously injured in a train accident and never fully recovered.[3] After six years as bishop, he resigned on March 26, 1920; he was named Titular Bishop of Gerasa on the same date.[1] He then returned to St. Michael's Monastery in West Hoboken as a professor of seminary students.[2]
Following the resignation of Bishop Frederick Eis, Nussbaum was appointed the fifth Bishop of Sault Sainte Marie-Marquette, Michigan, on November 14, 1922.[1] He remained at Marquette until his death at age 64. He was buried in West Hoboken before his remains were transferred to Corpus Christi Cathedral.[3]
| Preceded by Peter Verdaguer y Prat |
Bishop of Corpus Christi 1913—1920 |
Succeeded by Emmanuel Boleslaus Ledvina |
| Preceded by Frederick Eis |
Bishop of Sault Sainte Marie-Marquette 1922—1935 |
Succeeded by Joseph Casimir Plagens |