Bishop William L. Higi

Bishop Emeritus William L. Higi, the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, passed from his life peacefully on January 3, 2025, at the age of 91. The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana has been blessed tremendously with his dedication to serving and leading the people of the diocese and beyond—a true shepherd of Christ. He was a priest of Jesus Christ for 65 years.

The Rite of Reception of the Body will take place at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 1207 Columbia St. in Lafayette, Ind., at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. with Evening Prayer at 7 p.m., concluding at 8 p.m.

On Friday, January 10, 2025, visitation will resume from 9 a.m.-10:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral. While all liturgies are open to the public, the Funeral Mass will also be livestreamed.

Bishop Higi was born in Anderson, Ind., on August 29, 1933, the eldest of William Leo and Helen (nee Vickery) Higi’s three children. Bishop Higi never graduated from high school at St. Mary’s in Anderson, but instead left after his junior year, entering seminarian prep school for the diocese. He was ordained to the priesthood by the late Cardinal John J. Carberry (then Bishop) for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception on May 30, 1959. Upon ordination, Bishop Higi held a number of assignments and appointments across the diocese. To him, the priesthood meant serving the people of God, which he emphasized through administration of the sacraments and celebration of the Liturgy of the Mass.

On November 16, 1976, Bishop Higi was named Prelate of Honor by the late Pope Paul VI. During this time, he was also appointed Diocesan Consultor, helping assist the bishop with the governance of the diocese in accordance with Church law. On June 29, 1979, Bishop Higi was appointed Vicar General of the diocese and was later appointed Diocesan Administrator on January 26, 1984, upon the death of Bishop George A. Fulcher.

Bishop Higi was appointed the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana on April 7, 1984, by the late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, and was ordained and installed as the Fifth Bishop of the diocese on June 6 of the same year, consecrated by the late Archbishop Edward O’Meara of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. From there, Bishop Higi took the motto, “Praise be Jesus Christ,” a favorite of his from Pope John Paul II.

As bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, Bishop Higi was deeply devoted to serving the people of God. His focus was to carry on what his predecessors had done before him and to meet the needs of his priests and laity.

During his tenure he worked to help improve the quality of education for youth throughout the diocese and beyond, helping make improvements at Central Catholic High School in Lafayette, as well as opening a second high school, St. Theordore Guerin Catholic in Noblesville in 2004. He was known for his humility, always crediting the success of the Church to the collaborative efforts of those who helped make these initiatives possible. 

Bishop Higi had the pleasure of ordaining 55 men, including five Indianapolis priests and two Precious Blood Priests. His dedication to his priests helped them further serve the needs of their people.

On May 12, 2010, Bishop Higi was appointed Apostolic Administrator, where he continued to govern the diocese until July 15, 2010, when he was appointed Bishop Emeritus and granted retirement by the late Pope Benedict XVI.

He is survived by a sister, Linda Rochelli, nine nieces and nephews, his devoted assistant and caregiver throughout his years as a bishop Jerriann O’Herren and his “adopted” Beardmore family. He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Julie Marie Eckstein and family friend, Noreen Beardmore. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foundation’s Fund for the Future, established by Bishop William Higi. For additional information, contact the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana at (765) 742-0275 | dol-in.org.

Condolences may be sent in care of the Office of the Bishop, Diocesan Chancery PO Box 260 Lafayette, IN. 47902.

Arrangements entrusted to Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, Lafayette, IN. hahngroeberfuneralhome.com

The Mass of Christian Burial will be lived-streamed at https:www.youtube.com/live/80ggm300YEQ