bishop robert morlino’s legacy

Bishop Morlino delivers a lecture at Christendom College in 2006.

Robert C. Morlino was perhaps most well-known as the Bishop of the Madison Diocese in Wisconsin. He served faithfully and heartfully as bishop in Madison. Before this, he also served as bishop in Helena, Montana.  

Morlino was raised in Pennsylvania and attended a Jesuit high school there. He attended seminary and was ordained at the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus in Baltimore. 

He received a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Fordham University, a master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Divinity Degree from the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass., and a doctorate in Moral Theology from Gregorian University in Rome. 

He taught philosophy and theology in many places, such at Notre Dame in Indiana and Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He assisted in instruction of priests, religious, laity and assisted with parish renewal programs. 

On July 6, 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed Father Robert Morlino as Bishop of Helena. 

On August 1, 2003, Bishop Robert Morlino took canonical possession of the Diocese of Madison. 

On November 24, 2018, Bishop Morlino passed away from a cardiac episode. 

As a professor, Bishop Morlino was devoted to student flourishing. He also had a sincere zeal for fostering vocations among both his own students and the youth of his diocese. As a bishop, he stood against the secular environment of his age. We worked tirelessly in faithful service. He spoke light into a world devoted to darkness. In all his public ministry, and all of his talks, such as at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, or in interviews in the news, he knew he had to speak the truth of Christ boldly.

To continue his vision, Christendom offers the Bishop Morlino Endowment Fund. The Bishop Morlino Endowment Fund will make a difference in the life and formation of young Catholics– all while honoring the memory of a beloved bishop. This fund offers financial assistance through which students can choose and afford Christendom College. This Catholic environment aims to realize their gifts as a student, realize their vocation, and thrive where God calls them. 

Christendom’s education is in alignment with Bishop Morlino’s vision. Like Morlino, Christendom strongly supports vocations. In being institutionally committed to the Magisterium, in teaching the Faith, and rejecting federal funding, we can stay committed to teaching the Truth that Morlino stood for.

Make Your Contribution to the
Bishop Morlino Endowment Fund Today!

Catholics in America are witnessing assaults on their Faith and heritage. With the Truth under attack on many fronts, we must let the Light of Christ shine ever brighter in the darkness of our times. Together, we can form future leaders for our nation and Church by giving young people an authentically Catholic college education, rooted in the Truth of the Catholic Faith. For 44 years, Christendom has helped shine the Light of Christ in our culture, while refusing all federal funding. Our commitment to Zero Federal Funding is only possible through benefactor support. You can help dispel the darkness and educate Catholic students in the Truth at Christendom College.

Your generous gift to the Bishop Morlino Endowment Fund will make a difference in the lives of young Catholics and will help protect our Faith and heritage—all while honoring the memory of our beloved bishop.

If you prefer, a check can be made payable to “Christendom College” with memo of “Morlino Endowment Fund” and sent to:

Christendom College
134 Christendom Dr.
Front Royal, VA 22630

Christendom College is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit institution registered as Christendom College LLC. The College’s federal tax ID number is 54-1031437. All gifts to Christendom College are deductible for income tax purposes to the fullest extent of the law.