Founded in 1937, the Diocese of Owensboro extends through 32 counties in Western Kentucky. With 51,780 Catholics, the diocese hosts 79 parishes, 19 schools (including 1 university), and 1 hospital. Our Bishop, Most Reverend William Francis Medley, succeeds Bishop Francis R. Cotton, the first Bishop of Owensboro who served until 1961, Bishop Henry J. Soenneker, who served from 1961 to 1982, and Bishop John J. McRaith, who served from 1982 to 2009.
