Bull of Pope Pius IX Establishing Diocese of Harrisburg March 3, 1868
The office of Supreme Apostolic Authority which the Lord placed upon Our unworthy shoulders requires that We be ready to undertake prudently whatever may benefit the Catholic Church and the eternal salvation of souls. Accordingly, when We learn that the establishment of new dioceses will be to the spiritual benefit of the faithful, We will proceed to found such additional Episcopal Sees as appears suitable and beneficial. The Bishops of the Second Plenary Council of the United States of North America, convened in Baltimore in October, 1866, have informed Us that it will be highly beneficial to the Catholic Church to establish a new Episcopal See in the City of Harrisburg. Having consulted with Our Venerable Brothers, the Cardinals of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, who have studied the matter carefully, We have determined to establish this new See. Wherefore, in keeping with the counsel of the aforementioned Cardinals, and exercising Our full Apostolic Authority, We hereby establish and constitute in the City of Harrisburg a new Episcopal See, under the care of its own Bishop, to be known henceforth as the “Diocese of Harrisburg.” We wish this diocese to include the civil counties of Clinton, Centre, Mifflin, Franklin, Cumberland, Adams, York, Dauphin, Northumberland, Columbia, Lebanon, Lancaster, Montour, Union, Snyder, Juniata, Perry and Fulton. Furthermore, We confer and bestow upon the Church of Harrisburg all the honors, rights and privileges which other Episcopal Sees possess and enjoy. These things We decree and prescribe, all things whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding.…
Given at Rome, at St. Peter’s, under the ring of the Fisherman, on the Third day of March, 1868, in the twenty-second year of Our Pontificate.
/S/ N. Card. Paracciani Clarelli
