MICHIGAN
Petoskey News
Jordan Spence (231) 439-9397 – jspence@petoskeynews.com
9:12 a.m. EDT, September 24, 2013
GAYLORD — Pope Francis has named Bishop Bernard Hebda, of Gaylord, coadjutor archbishop for the archdiocese of Newark, N.J.
As coadjutor, Archbishop Hebda will assist the current Archbishop John Myers in the administration of the archdiocese. He will automatically succeed Myers upon his retirement or death. Myers is set to retire in mid-2016 because of how he handled a sexually abusive priest. The archdiocese said it was unaware the priest subsequently worked with youths, according to the Associated Press.
Hebda expressed sadness at having to leave the Diocese of Gaylord in a letter written after being informed of his new appointment.
“Today’s news that the Holy Father has named me the coadjutor archbishop of Newark brings with it the sadness of having to leave the Diocese of Gaylord,” Hebda wrote. “I have come to consider this local church my home and will find it difficult to leave so many faith-filled parishes, schools and friends. Anything that I know about being a bishop I learned from you — and for that I will be always thankful.”
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