Michael Owen Jackels was born on April 13, 1954 in South Dakota. He was raised in a devout Roman Catholic family, but surprisingly, as a young man, he began to explore other spiritual paths, including Buddhism. Jackels' journey to rediscovering his Catholic faith would eventually lead him to a life dedicated to serving the church.
After graduating from high school, Jackels pursued his studies at St. Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy. He then went on to attend the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, where he obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Theology.
In 1981, Jackels was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas. He served in various parishes in Kansas before moving to Rome to further his studies. While in Rome, he worked for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI.
In 2005, Jackels was appointed as the Bishop of the Diocese of Wichita, where he served for eight years before being named the Archbishop of Dubuque, Iowa in 2013. He was one of the first archbishops to be appointed by Pope Francis, who had recently assumed the papacy. As Archbishop, Jackels has been a vocal advocate for social justice issues and has worked to strengthen the faith community in Dubuque.
Jackels' upbringing in a military family instilled in him a sense of discipline and duty, qualities that have served him well in his role as a religious leader. While he is dedicated to his work in the church, Jackels also values his family life and is known for his compassionate and caring nature.
Throughout his career, Michael Owen Jackels has been a driving force for positive change within the Catholic Church. His commitment to social justice, his dedication to serving the faithful, and his unwavering faith have made him a respected figure in both the religious and secular communities.
Jackels' journey from a young man exploring various spiritual paths to becoming an influential Roman Catholic leader is a testament to the power of faith and the transformative nature of personal growth.
As Archbishop of Dubuque, Jackels continues to inspire those around him with his empathy, humility, and unwavering commitment to his calling. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of all those who have been touched by his compassion and grace.
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