The Diocese of Kalamazoo Facts & Figures

Statistics:

Geographic Area:
The Diocese of Kalamazoo spans nine counties in Southwest Michigan that covers 5,337 miles: Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph.

History of the Diocese of Kalamazoo:
The Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo was founded on July 21, 1971. The Second Vatican Council called for the creation of smaller dioceses so that bishops could be more available to the people they serve. Five Michigan bishops, the National Council of Catholic Bishop and the Holy Father reviewed a three-year study of existing boundaries and suggestions of realignment of or development of new dioceses in Michigan. This resulted in the creation of two new dioceses in Michigan: The Diocese of Gaylord and the Diocese of Kalamazoo.

On July 21, 1971, the Apostolic Delegate of the United States, Archbishop Luigi Raimondi, read the Executive Decree, creating the Diocese of Kalamazoo. John Cardinal Dearden of Detroit, then ordained Paul V. Donovan as the first bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. The newly created diocese encompassed 5,337 square miles of nine counties in southwest Michigan: Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch.

Bishops of Kalamazoo:

The Most Rev. Paul V. Donovan
Installed: July 21, 1971
Retired: November 22, 1994
Motto: "To Serve Rather Than Be Served."

The Most Rev. Alfred J. Markiewicz
Installed: January 31, 1995
Died on Jan. 8, 1997
Motto: "An Instrument of Your Peace."

The Most Rev. James A. Murray
Installed: January 27, 1998
Retired: June 5, 2009
Motto: "Rejoice in the Lord Always."

The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley
Appointed: April 6, 2009
Installed: June 5, 2009
Motto: “Waiting in Joyful Hope”