Past Bishops of Winona Diocese

John Vlazny

Sixth bishop of Winona (1987 to 1997)

Is a native of Chicago, and was an auxiliary bishop there until the pope sent him to this diocese. Bishop Vlazny is an educator and a planner. He is concerned with how the church can train people to do their ministries better, and how parishes can work together to make the world a better place. He is also interested in evangelization--which means not only bringing the news of the Gospel to non-Catholics, but deepening the faith among those who are. In October, 1997 he was chosen to head the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon and was installed as Archbishop on December 19, 1997.

Loras Watters

Fifth bishop of Winona (1969 to 1987)

Came from Dubuque, Iowa. His biggest concerns were for the spiritual welfare of the people and he introduced many programs and activities designed to encourage renewed interest in the Bible and in the reforms of Vatican II. At the same time, he was the first bishop to feel the results of a priest shortage, and he started the first efforts at pastoral planning.

Edward Fitzgerald

Fourth bishop of Winona (1950 to 1968)

Was born in Cresco, Iowa and was a priest in the archdiocese of Dubuque before coming here. Although he was priarily an educator, he was a skilled administrator who came to be known as "the building bishop." Under his direction, many of the familiar buildings in our diocese were built, including the cathedral, the seminary and many, many churches.

During his tenure, the first changes brought about by Vatican II were implemented in the diocese, including saying Mass in English.

Leo Binz

He is remembered as a superior administrator, as well as a very kind man who cared deeply for the people of the diocese. He established Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, centralized all the offices of the diocese, and started the plans for building the first cathedral in Winona.

He was never officially the bishop of Winona--he became coadjutor archbishop of Dubuque in 1949.

Francis Kelley

Third bishop of Winona (1928 to 1949)

Worked to establish religious education programs in every parish of the diocese; also is known for his work in promoting the needs of missionary countries--to this day, Winona Catholics are known for their exceptional generosity toward the missions.

In 1942 he became too ill to run the diocese. Bishop Leo Binz of Stockton, Illinois was named apostolic administrator--and a year later, coadjutor bishop.

Patrick Heffron

Second bishop of Winona (1910 to 1927)

Was born in New York, but raised in southern Minnesota. He went to school in Rochester and later became professor at the St. Paul Seminary.

He is best remembered for founding St. Mary's College in Winona, and for establishing The Courier, the official newspaper of the Winona diocese which is still published today. He was known for his interest in education and three dozen more schools were established while he was bishop.

Joseph B. Cotter

First bishop of Winona (1889 to 1909)

He was Irish, born in Liverpool, England; his family moved to the U. S. when he was 4 years old and settled in St. Paul. In 1871 he was named pastor for St. Thomas parish in Winona (which was the third largest city in Minnesota at that time).

He was bishop at a time of great immigration, when many ethnic churches were established in the diocese--Irish, Polish, Czech, German, etc. also, nearly three dozen schools were established in the parishes during his administration.