Archbishop Frederick Xavier Katzer
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Archbishop Frederick Xavier Katzer

During his time in office, Archbishop Katzer strongly supported and promoted the growth of Catholic schools, and successfully advocated the repeal of the Bennett Law in 1890. This legislation would have mandated English instruction in all public schools and was seen as an attack on parochial schools.

Most Reverend Frederick Xavier Katzer, D.D.Most Reverend Frederick Xavier Katzer, D.D.
1890 - 1903

Born on February 7, 1844, in Ebensee, Austria, Frederick Xavier Katzer came to Minnesota in 1864 as a seminarian at the request of missionary Franz Pierz. When he was informed there was no room for him there, Katzer considered joining the Jesuits before Fr. Joseph Salzmann convinced him to come to Milwaukee.

Katzer completed his studies in Milwaukee and was ordained on December 21, 1866, at Saint Francis Seminary and soon joined the faculty there. He taught mathematics, philosophy and theology until he was transferred to the Diocese of Green Bay in 1875. There he served as rector of the cathedral, then known as St. Mary’s, and vicar general. After his friend Bishop Francis X. Krautbauer’s death, Katzer administered the diocese before he was appointed Bishop of Green Bay on July 13,1886.

Katzer served as the bishop of Green Bay until he was appointed the third bishop of the Milwaukee archdiocese on January 30, 1891. In line with his predecessors, Katzer was loyal to the German factions in the clergy and hierarchy. Reminiscent of the debates between German-speaking and English-speaking Catholics during Henni’s and Heiss's time, Katzer’s nomination to Milwaukee was opposed by "Americanizing" bishops. This brought Milwaukee into a larger national debate over the "Americanization" of Catholics in the United States--a view stating that Catholics should assimilate into American society, rather than maintain their distinct ethnic traditions. Pope Leo XIII condemned the heresy of "Americanism" in an 1899 encyclical and Katzer prevailed.

During his time in office, he strongly supported and promoted the growth of Catholic schools, and successfully advocated the repeal of the Bennett Law in 1890. This legislation would have mandated English instruction in all public schools and was seen as an attack on parochial schools.

Katzer also furthered the growth of ethnic parishes, particularly the Polish. He also was engaged in a battle with anti-Catholic groups and opposed the socialist movement in Milwaukee. He also was responsible for bringing the Sisters of the Divine Savior to Milwaukee.

As he aged, Katzer left more of his daily duties to his protégé, Fr. Augustine Schinner, whom he hoped would be his successor. Schinner, however, was never appointed to the position. Archbishop Katzer died in Fond du Lac on July 23, 1903, the same day as Pope Leo XIII. 

Motto: Soli Deo Honor et Gloria. "Only to God, Honor, and Glory."

Our next Archbishop: Most Rev. Sebastian Gebhard Messmer, D.D., D.C.L, 1903-1930
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The Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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