Joliet bishop appointed to Indiana position by Pope Francis

Photo by: Noah Stubbs/Courier Press

Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Joliet, Joseph M. Siegel, has been appointed by the Vatican to become the new bishop of Evansville, Indiana.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2017 Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, publicized the announcement from Pope Francis.

After the announcement, Siegel was welcomed at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, where he spoke about his transfer. He stated, "It's a great honor, very humbling, as well.” Siegel continued, "It's a wonderful opportunity and a wonderful diocese to come into. I certainly look forward to getting started."

Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, another bishop within the Joliet dioceses, sang high praises for Siegel in a news release from the diocese.

He states, “Over the past six years, I have come to appreciate Bishop Siegel’s many gifts and talents. It has been a blessing to work with him.” Conlon continued, “He has been a great asset to the Church of Joliet, both as a priest and a bishop. I am confident that he will prove to be an effective and loving pastor in Evansville.”

Bishop Siegel will officially start his position at the Evansville diocese on December 15, 2017; he will be replacing Bishop Charles C. Thompson, who left the Evansville Diocese to become the new Indianapolis archbishop.

Siegel has a long history in the Joliet area. He was born in Lockport and attended school at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet. Before completing his college education at St. Meinrad Seminary, he attended Joliet Junior College.

After finishing his education, he became an associate pastor for St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield and then moved on to become the parochial vicar for St. Mary Nativity Church in Joliet.

Siegel was nominated for his current position within the diocese back in 2009 and has been there since.

To see Siegel's full background, visit his biography on the diocese's website.

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