Diocese of Covington at 402 E. 21st Street, Covington, KY 41014 US - Most Rev. William Anthony Hughes, D.D.

William Anthony Hughes was born on September 23, 1921, in Youngstown, Ohio. He attended Ursuline High School in Youngstown and studied for the priesthood at St. Charles College, Baltimore, Maryland. Hughes graduated from St. Charles College Summa Cum Laude. He continued his studies at St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland, Ohio.

Bishop James McFadden of Youngstown ordained Father Hughes on April 6, 1946 at St. Columban Cathedral. During the first 17 years of his priesthood, he served in various pastoral duties in the Diocese of Youngstown. Father Hughes earned a Masters Degree in Education from Notre Dame University in 1956. In that same year, he was named the first Principal of Cardinal Mooney High School.

In 1961, Pope John XXIII honored him with the title of Monsignor. Msgr. Hughes became the Superintendent of the Diocese of Youngstown Schools and Vicar for Education in 1965. Msgr. Hughes was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Youngstown and Titular Bishop of Inis Cathaig on July 23, 1974. Bishop James W. Malone ordained Bishop Hughes on September 12, 1974 at St. Columban Cathedral.

Bishop Hughes was appointed Bishop of Covington on April 13, 1979 and installed at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption on May 8, 1979. He served the diocese for 16 years until his retirement on July 4, 1995.

Bishop Hughes is presently residing within the diocese as Retired Bishop of Covington.