(July 28, 1856 – April 20, 1917) was a German American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of Puerto Rico (1899–1906)[1] and Archbishop of New Orleans (1906–1917).

Converting to Catholicism at age 12, Blenk was baptized at St. Alphonsus Church in 1869 and later confirmed by Archbishop Napoléon-Joseph Perché.

[3] After completing his primary education in New Orleans, he entered Jefferson College (in Convent, Louisiana), eventually joining the Society of Mary (more commonly known as the Marist Fathers) 1878.

[7] He received his episcopal consecration on the following July 2 from Archbishop Chapelle, with Bishops Gustave Rouxel and Theophile Meerschaert serving as co-consecrators.

[6] Before his departure for Puerto Rico, the island was struck by Hurricane San Ciriaco; through his personal efforts he raised $30,000 to take with him to alleviate the sufferings of his new congregation.

"[10] Blenk was a friend and mentor to fellow Marist John Edward Gunn, Bishop of Natchez.