Louis Amadeus Rappe

Biography

Born in France in 1801 and ordained there before crossing the Atlantic, Louis Amadeus Rappe answered the call to shepherd the fledgling Diocese of Cleveland as its first bishop in 1847, establishing parishes, schools, and hospitals to welcome immigrants and nurture their faith.

He guided the growing Catholic community through challenges of frontier life, laying the foundations for future generations and leaving behind the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist as a symbol of the enduring church he helped build.