Robert William Muench


Robert William Muench is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was former fifth Bishop of Baton Rouge, having previously served as Bishop of Covington from 1996 to 2002.

Early life and education

Robert Muench was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to William Anthony and Mary Kathryn Muench; he has three sisters, Jo Ann, Mary Alice, and Marsha. At age 3, he and his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. He entered St. Joseph Seminary in 1956, and then Notre Dame Seminary in 1962, from where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.
From 1964 to 1968, Muench studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., earning a Master's in Education. He also attended courses at Loyola University and the University of New Orleans.

Priesthood

Muench was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1968. He then sat on the faculty of St. John Vianney Preparatory School until 1977, serving as religion teacher, liturgy director, guidance counselor, and eventually rector. During this time, Muench also assisted at various parishes in New Orleans. He was associate pastor and later co-pastor of between 1976 and 1982.
Muench served as Vicar for Christian Formation and for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He was named Director of the Pope John XXIII House for Vocation Discernment and Executive Assistant to Archbishop Philip Hannan in 1983. After becoming an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness in 1985, he was made Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the archdiocese.

Episcopal career

On May 8, 1990, Muench was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans and Titular Bishop of Mactaris by Pope John Paul II. He received his episcopal consecration on the following June 29 from Archbishop Francis Schulte, with Archbishop Hannan and Bishop John Favalora serving as co-consecrators. He selected as his episcopal motto, "Jesus Must Increase".

Bishop of Covington

Muench was later named the ninth Bishop of Covington, Kentucky, on January 5, 1996, being formally installed on the following March 19. During his tenure, he oversaw the repair and renovation of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption.
He was also a member on the Boards of St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Edgewood Hospital, Chancellor of Thomas More College, and a member of the within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bishop of Baton Rouge

John Paul II appointed Muench the fifth Bishop of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 15, 2001. His installation took place at its St. Joseph Cathedral on March 14, 2002.
Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Muench joined Archbishop Alfred Hughes and Governor Kathleen Blanco in a televised appearance declaring a day of prayer for the state of Louisiana.
Pope Francis accepted his resignation on June 26, 2018 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.

Episcopal succession