Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.

Eighth Bishop of Peoria, 2002-2022

The Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C. was born March 3, in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. Attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine parish school on the south-west side of the city and St. Laurence High School, conducted by the Irish Christian Brothers. In 1966, after a year at the University of Notre Dame, he entered the novitiate of the Holy Cross Congregation in Vermont. Following his First Profession in 1967, he was assigned to Moreau Seminary to continue his education at Notre Dame. In 1970, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history, and in 1973, he completed graduate studies in theology. The same year he professed his final vows and was ordained a deacon. He served at Sacred Heart Parish and assisted the residential staff of Flanner Hall.

In 1974, he was ordained a priest and taught Social Studies and Religion at Bourgade Catholic High School in Phoenix, Arizona.

After a year, he returned to Notre Dame and was appointed Rector of Dillon Hall and Associate Director of Campus Ministry. He became rector of Sacred Heart Church and later Director of Campus Ministry. He held this position for only one year, when he was named Superior of the local Holy Cross community and Rector of Fischer O’Hara Grace, a residential complex for 560 graduate students. While still the Rector of Sacred Heart, in 1992 the church was raised to the rank of a Minor Basilica, nationally renowned for its rich liturgical tradition. During the years when he was the Rector, he organized liturgies for all major university occasions and special events and coordinated the six choirs connected with Campus Ministry. He also regularly taught course on spirituality and theology of prayer in Notre Dame’s graduate school.

In October of 1997, Pope John Paul II appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend and titular Bishop of Amantia. He was ordained at St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, Indiana, on December 16. John D’Arcy, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, appointed Bishop Jenky as Rector of the Co-Cathedral and Pastor of the parish.

Appointed Bishop of Peoria by Pope John Paul II
On February 12, 2002, on the day of the 127th anniversary of the establishment of the Peoria Diocese, Pope John Paul II appointed him the eighth Bishop of Peoria. He was installed on April 10, 2002, in the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria.

In two months, he petitioned the Vatican to open the cause for canonization of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Each year, he issued a Festival Letter teaching on various subjects of the Catholic faith.

Preach and Teach
In 2003, in a passionate homily he called the men of the diocese to “rise up and stand with our God” in the midst of a culture that “is at war with Jesus Christ.” This led to a popular annual Men’s March. 

In 2004, Bishop Jenky appointed Patricia M. Gibson the first lay chancellor in the history of the diocese.