James Schwebach | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of La Crosse | |
 | |
| Diocese | Diocese of La Crosse |
| Installed | February 25, 1892 |
| Term ended | June 6, 1921 |
| Predecessor | Kilian Caspar Flasch |
| Successor | Alexander Joseph McGavick |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | June 16, 1870 by Thomas Grace |
| Consecration | February 25, 1892 by Frederick Katzer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1847-08-15)August 15, 1847 |
| Died | June 6, 1921(1921-06-06) (aged 73) |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Education | St. Francis Seminary |
James Schwebach (August 15, 1847 – June 6, 1921) was aLuxembourgish-bornprelate of theRoman Catholic Church who served asBishop of theDiocese of La Crosse in Wisconsin from 1892 until his death in 1921.
James Schwebach was born on August 15, 1847, atPlaten in thePréizerdaulcommune of theGrand Duchy of Luxembourg, to Nicholas Joseph and Margaret (née Busch) Schwebach.[1] He received his early education from private tutors, and afterwards studied at the college ofDiekirch for two years.[2]
In 1864, Schwebach immigrated to the United States, where he enteredSt. Francis Seminary inMilwaukee,Wisconsin.[3] He there completed his studies inphilosophy andtheology in five years. At age 21, being too young forordination to thepriesthood, Schwebach was called toLa Crosse and was there ordained adeacon by BishopMichael Heiss on July 24, 1869.[1] He then served at St. Mary's Parish in La Crosse, where he preached in English, French, andGerman and taught at theparochial school.[2]
Schwebach was ordained a priest for the Diocese of La Crosse by BishopThomas Grace on June 16, 1870.[4] He then served aspastor of St. Mary's for 22 years, during which time he erected a new church, school, and rectory.[3] He also built St. James the Less Parish in 1887.[1] In addition to his pastoral duties, Schwebach served asvicar general of the diocese from 1882 to 1892.[2]
On December 14, 1891, Schwebach was appointed the third bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse byPope Leo XIII.[4] He received hisepiscopalconsecration on February 25, 1892, from ArchbishopFrederick Katzer, with BishopsJohn Janssen andJoseph Cotter serving asco-consecrators.[4] During his 29-year tenure, he became known as a builder and founded St. Michael's Home for orphans.[5]
James Schwebach died in La Crosse on June 6, 1921, at age 73. He is buried at theCathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse.[2]
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| Preceded by | Bishop of La Crosse 1891–1921 | Succeeded by |
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