News Release #416

Catholic Diocese of New Ulm to observe 50th Anniversary

New Ulm , MN – Next month begins the year-long celebration observing the 50th Ann iversary of the Diocese of New Ulm which was established November 18, 1957.

In observance of the anniversary year, there will be three diocesan sponsored events: November 7, 2007 , Mass for Deceased Pastoral Leaders will be held at the Church of St. Anastasia , Hutchinson , MN at 7:00 p.m. This will serve as the “kick off” for the anniversary year long celebration. On June 22, 2008 , there will be a 50 th Ann iversary Festival at the Redwood Falls Community Center in Redwood Falls , MN , beginning at 3:00 p.m. ; and on November 16, 2008 , there will be a closing celebration beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Church of Holy Redeemer in Marshall, MN.

Fifty years ago on November 18, 1957 , Pope Pius XII announced the establishment of the Diocese of New Ulm and appointed Monsignor Alphonse J. Schladweiler as the new bishop. Bishop Schadweiler was ordained a bishop and installed on January 30, 1958 . He would remain bishop until his retirement in 1975.

Since then, the diocese has been led by two other bishops, Bishop Raymond A. Lucker (1975-2000) and Bishop John C. Nienstedt (2001-present). In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Nienstedt as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis . Archbishop Nienstedt remains apostolic administrator of the Diocese of New Ulm until a new bishop is appointed.

Editor’s note: The diocese’s 50 year’s of existence is an important piece of Minnesota history. The diocesan newspaper, The Prairie Catholic, will be publishing a 50th Ann iversary Special Edition in November. If you are interested in elaborating further on this story, this special edition would be a good resource. Please contact the diocesan Office of Communications, (507) 359-2966; cclancy@dnu.org .