Paul Joseph Nussbaum

Paul Joseph Nussbaum, C.P. (September 7, 1870 – June 24, 1935) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas (1913-1920) and Bishop of Sault Sainte Marie-Marquette, Michigan (1922-1935). He was the first Passionist bishop in the United States.

Henry Nussbaum was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Bernard and Louise (née Erne) Nussbaum. He was orphaned at a young age and was subsequently raised by his relatives. He made his profession as a member of the Congregation of the Passion (more commonly known as the Passionists) on July 24, 1887, taking the religious name of Paul Joseph. Later that year he was sent to do missionary work in Argentina, where he was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1894. He remained in Argentina until 1904, when he was recalled to the United States. He served as a curate in West Hoboken, New Jersey, and Dunkirk, New York. From 1908 to 1913, he served as a consultor for St. Paul of the Cross Province.

On April 4, 1913, Nussbaum was appointed the first Bishop of the newly erected Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas, by Pope Pius X. He received his episcopal consecration on the following May 20 from Archbishop Giovanni Bonzano, with Bishops John Joseph O'Connor and Charles Edward McDonnell serving as co-consecrators. He was the first member of his order to become a bishop in the United States. He was later installed at Corpus Christi Cathedral on June 8, 1913. He founded St. Ann's Society for married women, and promoted the Forty Hours' Devotion and daily Communion. He also emphasized Catholic education and doubled the number of parochial schools in the diocese. In 1918 he was seriously injured in a train accident and never fully recovered. After six years as bishop, he resigned on March 26, 1920; he was named Titular Bishop of Gerasa on the same date. He then returned to St. Michael's Monastery in West Hoboken as a professor of seminary students.

Following the resignation of Bishop Frederick Eis, Nussbaum was appointed the fifth Bishop of Sault Sainte Marie-Marquette, Michigan, on November 14, 1922. He remained at Marquette until his death at age 64. He was buried in West Hoboken before his remains were transferred to Corpus Christi Cathedral.