Dominic Laurence Graessel

Dominic Laurence Graessel, (Lorenz Grässel) (August 18, 1753 – October 1793) was an American Roman Catholic Jesuit. He was the first German-American to be appointed bishop.

Biography Lorenz Grässel was born at Ruhmannsfelden, Bavaria, on 18 August 1753. He joined the Society of Jesus in Munich and was a novice at the time of its suppression in 1773.

In 1781, Grässel left his native land for the American mission at the invitation of fellow Jesuit Ferdinand Steinmeyer, Sailing from London in August 1781, he arrived in America that October.

In March 1787, Grässel was given charge of the German members of St. Mary's congregation in Philadelphia and of the Catholics scattered through New Jersey, all territories then within the Diocese of Baltimore. He spent six years in Philadelphia and became noted for his learning, zeal, and piety. News of his death did not reach the Vatican until July 1794.