West Allis native Donald Hying named new bishop of Diocese of Madison

Donald Hying, a West Allis native who grew up in New Berlin, has been named by Pope Francis as bishop of the Diocese of Madison.

He will lead roughly 280,000 Catholics spread over 104 parishes in southwest Wisconsin. Hying will become the fifth bishop of Madison, replacing Bishop Robert Morlino, who died at age 71 in November. 

Hying, 55, holds a bachelor’s degree in history, philosophy and theology from Marquette University and a master’s of divinity degree from St. Francis de Sales Seminary. He is fluent in English and Spanish. 

Ordained in 1989 at age 25, Hying served at multiple parishes in the metropolitan area, ultimately becoming rector of the seminary in 2007.

He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the seventh auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee in 2011.

Three years later, Pope Francis named him bishop of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana, serving a Catholic population of about 185,000.

Father Tim Kitzke, former vicar for urban ministry for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, said he was "thrilled" to learn of the appointment, calling Hying a "great friend" and "holy priest."

"He's just the right person at the right time for the great diocese of Madison," said Kitzke, who serves as pastor of four east-side Milwaukee parishes and administrator for other urban parishes.

"He has a good heart and is full of compassion. I think he's going to bring strength and compassion to the diocese, and in a pastoral way. He's a pastoral bishop."

Morlino was known for his outspoken positions in the conservative wing of the Catholic Church. He rejected some of the reforms of Vatican II, and challenged Catholics — both lay and clergy — to live out the traditional teachings of the church. Last year, Morlino released a pastoral letter saying the “homosexual subculture” within the church was “wreaking great devastation.” 

At the time of Morlino's death, Father Steven Avella, a professor of history at Marquette University, said the search for his successor presented an opportunity for Pope Francis to put his distinct mark on another American diocese. 

"It’s a sign that something is going to change in Wisconsin," Avella said at the time. "That diocese in the state of Wisconsin is an important position."

Indeed, Hying is expected to be less dogmatic and more of a bridge-builder. He has been described by friends and colleagues as deeply spiritual and compassionate, with a special warmth for the poor and those who feel alienated. He is also recognized for his humor and humility.

"I know Bishop Hying will be a source of strength for the faithful in Madison because of his unwavering integrity, devotion and deep spirituality," Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki said in a statement. "I am proud to welcome him “home” to Wisconsin and look forward to serving alongside him once again."

The Diocese of Madison covers Columbia, Dane, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, LaFayette, Marquette, Rock, and Sauk counties. It serves roughly 280,000 Catholics, who make up more than a quarter of the general population in those counties.