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	Diocese Appointments Made Following Lahey's Resignation Cape Breton Post September 27, 2009 http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=289766&sc=145 Canada — Following the resignation of Bishop Raymond Lahey an apostolic administrator has been appointed, along with a diocese spokesperson. Archbishop Anthony Mancini of Halifax, a native of Italy, has been appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Antigonish by Pope Benedict XVI. As part of his first duties, Mancini has chosen Fr. Paul Abbass of St. Mary's Parish, Frenchvale, as local spokesperson on Antigonish diocesan matters. Abbass will also continue his responsibilities as episcopal vicar and director of pastoral services. "The Diocese of Antigonish is grateful to the Holy Father for his timely appointment of Archbishop Anthony Mancini, Archbishop of Halifax, as our diocesan administrator," said Abbass in a news release. "This means that we can continue the work and ministry of the diocese without interruption. At the same time we are very mindful of the service and generosity of Bishop Lahey to this diocese and offer him our sincere gratitude and assurance of our prayers." The Cape Breton Post learned early Saturday that Lahey was to resign. An official announcement of Lahey's resignation was expected at mass both Saturday and Sunday. Lahey was the eighth Roman Catholic bishop in the diocese when he was named to the position in the spring of 2003 by the late Pope John Paul II. A Newfoundland native, Lahey was a professor of theology at Memorial University in St. John's, N.L. and is a graduate of St. Paul's University seminary in Ottawa, the Gregorian University in Rome and Cambridge in England. Prior to his appointment in Antigonish, Lahey served as bishop for the Diocese of St. George's on the west coast of Newfoundland. Abbass said the transition in spiritual leadership comes at a time of significant pastoral challenges. The diocese is currently trying to address pastoral planning, the amalgamation of parishes and a renewed approach to evangelization and ministry. "After having spoken with Archbishop Mancini, I want to assure everyone, and particularly the victims of sexual abuse, that nothing in the recent court approved class action settlement agreement will change as a consequence of this transition in leadership," said Abbass. "Our Settlement Agreement is more than a legally binding document. It is a call to justice and reconciliation. It involves painful spiritual healing, profound understanding from all, and difficult financial sacrifices. While the resignation of our former Bishop will be a loss to our Diocese in many ways, his departure does not diminish the legal and spiritual commitments we have made."
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