Background
Paul, John Joseph was born on August 17, 1918 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. Son of Roland Philip and Louise (Gilles) Paul.
Paul, John Joseph was born on August 17, 1918 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. Son of Roland Philip and Louise (Gilles) Paul.
Bachelor of Arts, Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, 1939; Bachelor of Sacred Theology, St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, 1943; Master of Education, Marquette U., 1956.
Early years
Ordination and ministry
While stationed in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Paul help established Regis High School. In 1955, Paul became rector of Holy Cross Seminary in Louisiana Crosse. On October 7, 1956, Pope Pius XII made Paul a monsignor.
In 1956, he received a masters in education degree from Marquette University.
In 1966, Paul became rector of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman in Louisiana Crosse. Bishop of Louisiana Crosse, Wisconsin
Paul was appointed auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Louisiana Crosse on May 17, 1977 and was consecrated on August 4, 1977.
On October 14, 1983 Paul was appointed Diocesan Bishop succeeding Frederick William Freking and on December 5, 1983, he was installed as Bishop. In 1986, Paul convened the fourth diocesan synod following the revised Canon Law of 1983.
In 1987, the decrees of the fourth diocesan synod were published as: The Bishop With His People.
In 1992, Paul founded the Aquinas Middle School. On December 10, 1994, Paul retired and was succeeded as Bishop by Raymond Leo Burke. Paul died at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in Louisiana Crosse at the age of 87.