May 2, 2024
Most Rev. Bishop John Stowe, O.F.M., Conv.,
Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington
“What’s Going on with the Synod and What Can We Expect”
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Biography
Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., was born April 15, 1966 in Amherst, OH. He attended grade school at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, staffed by the Conventual Franciscans, and Lorain Catholic High School. After a year of community college, Bishop John joined the Formation Program for the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation at St. Bonaventure Friary in St. Louis, MO.
During the time of his candidacy, he began studies in philosophy and history at St. Louis University and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in each in 1990, after an interruption for his Novitiate. He subsequently earned a Masters in Divinity and a Licentiate in church History from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA.
Bishop John made his solemn vows on August 1, 1992, and was ordained to the priesthood on September 16, 1995. He served in Texas as a Pastor, Moderator of the Curia, and eventually as Chancellor for the Diocese of El Paso. In 2010, he was elected Vicar Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation and became Pastor and Rector of the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, OH.
On March 12, 2015, Pope Francis named him the Third Bishop of Lexington, and he was ordained Bishop on May 5 2015.
Bishop John Stowe, O.F.M. Conv., Coat of Arms
