St. Paul Archdiocese Interim Head "Warm, Welcoming"

By Elizabeth Mohr
Pioneer Press
June 18, 2015

http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_28340691/st-paul-archdiocese-interim-head-warm-welcoming

By all accounts, the man appointed by the Vatican to help run the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is a well-liked, capable bishop.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda, 55, named Monday as apostolic administrator for the archdiocese, is known for his smile, his humility and intelligence.

Parishioners in the Twin Cities can expect Hebda, a Pittsburgh native, to approach the current challenges with compassion, said Father Lou Vallone, a Pittsburgh priest who has known "Bernie" for about 30 years.

"People who have been frustrated by not being heard, he will pay attention to them. People who are kind of put off by standoffish attitudes or embattled attitudes will not find that in him. They'll find him warm and welcoming," Vallone said.

Hebda's appointment was announced at the same time the Vatican accepted the resignations of Archbishop John Nienstedt, who had been at the helm of the archdiocese since 2007, and Bishop Lee Piche, who was named auxiliary bishop in 2009.