Paul Joseph Nussbaum

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]

Biography

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]

References