History of the Archdiocese of Mobile
The first parish in Mobile was founded on July 20, 1703. The Archdiocese of Mobile was established in 1825 as the Vicariate-Apostolic of Alabama and the Floridas and became the Diocese of Mobile in 1829. The name was changed to the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham on July 9, 1954, and was redesignated on June 28, 1969. It was established as the Archdiocese of Mobile on Nov. 16, 1980.
Of note: Archbishop John L. May (who ordained Archbishop-elect Rivituso to the priesthood in 1988) served as bishop of Mobile from 1969-1980 before he was appointed as archbishop of St. Louis in January 1980. Mobile’s first bishop, Bishop Michael Portier, was ordained to the priesthood in St. Louis in 1818 for the Diocese of Louisiana and the Two Floridas.
Archdiocese of Mobile at a glance
Land mass (in miles): 22,969
Catholic population: 107,870
Number of parishes: 76
Number of mission parishes: 7
Diocesan priests: 81
External diocesan priests: 7
Religious order priests: 21
Permanent deacons: 65
Religious order brothers: 3
Religious order sisters: 61
Educational institutions
Colleges: 1
High schools: 3
Elementary parochial schools: 14
Private schools: 2
Total number of students: 8,551
Charitable and social institutions
Homes for the aged: 1
Residential care of the disabled: 1
Special centers for social services: 9
The Province of Mobile includes the dioceses of Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi, and the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama.
