Knights of Columbus of Wisconsin

Most Rev. Raphael M. Fliss

Most Reverend Raphael M. Fliss, Diocesan Bishop of Superior, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 25, 1930. He attended the freshman year of high school at St. Lawrence Seminary in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin. The next three years, he attended St. Francis High School in Milwaukee as a “day student” while the institution was in transition from a boys’ Catholic high school to a seminary high school. He remembers those years as experiencing the “best of both worlds.” He then attended St. Francis Seminary College in Milwaukee (48-52) and studied theology at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., (52-56) while in formation residence at the Sulpician Theological College in the Capital. He then studied Canon Law at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome (62-65) during the years of the Second Vatican Council.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1956, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee by Archbishop Albert Gregory Meyer. His first and very brief assignment was to the parish of Christ King, Wauwatosa. He then became the Assistant Rector/Pastor of the Milwaukee Cathedral where he taught religion in the Cathedral High School and Grade School.

He was appointed Secretary and Master of Ceremonies to the Archbishop and Assistant Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee until he was sent to Rome to study in 1962. Upon completion of his canonical studies in 1965, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Archdiocese and again Secretary and Master of Ceremonies to the Archbishop. His final appointment in Milwaukee was as Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

While Rector of the Cathedral, he was named Coadjutor Bishop of Superior with the right of succession on November 6, 1979, and ordained at Cathedral of Christ the King, Superior, Wisconsin, on December 20, 1979.

He became Diocesan Bishop of Superior following the retirement of his predecessor, Bishop George Hammes, on June 27, 1985. For almost two decades now he has promoted the development of an efficient and dedicated chancery staff who are there to be of service to the priests and people of this Local Church. Property, liability and health insurance has been centralized and personnel policies have been approved to assist the pastors and their staff in their administrative roles. He is very proud of all the department and office heads in the Curia who are resource persons and who provide programs, direction and assistance. Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Superior enjoys a significant state and national reputation.

Calls to the Office of the Bishop are received by Bishop Fliss’ secretary, Patricia Wildenberg.