Anthony John King Mussio

Anthony John King Mussio (June 13, 1902 – April 15, 1978) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the first bishop of the Diocese of Steubenville in Ohio from 1945 to 1977.

Biography

Early life John Mussio was born on June 13, 1902, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to John Edward and Blanche (née King) Mussio. He attended Assumption Elementary School and St. Xavier High School, both in Cincinnati. He entered Xavier University in 1920, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1924. Mussio earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, then returned to Cincinnati to study at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Mussio taught English at Xavier University from 1925 to 1930 while also studying law at the University of Cincinnati. Mussio then traveled to Rome to study at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He earned a doctorate in canon law in 1939 with a dissertation entitled "The Education of Offspring : a Primary End of Matrimony"

Following his return to Cincinnati in 1939, Mussio was appointed as assistant chancellor of the archdiocese. He was named chancellor and a papal chamberlain in 1942. In addition to his other duties, Mussio taught canon law at Mount St. Mary's Seminary.

As bishop, Mussio established 73 parishes and 20 missions, the College of Steubenville in Steubenville, St. John Vianney Seminary, a Camaldolese hermitage, Samaritan House, Catholic Social Services, and St. John's Villa. He also founded the diocesan newspaper, The Steubenville Register.

Between 1962 and 1965, Mussio attended all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council in Rome. In accord with the Council's reforms, he established the Steubenville Ecumenical Institute to foster better relationships among Christians and Jews. He also served as a member of the Episcopal Commission of the National Legion of Decency and as episcopal moderator of the Catholic Broadcasters Association.

Retirement and legacy After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, Mussio submitted his resignation as bishop of the Diocese of Steubenville to the pope. It was accepted by Pope Paul VI on September 27, 1977.

John Mussio died on April 15, 1978. Bishop John King Mussio Central Elementary School and Bishop John King Mussio Junior High School, both in Steubenville, are named after him.