Bishop Hebda named Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark

Posted in September 24th, 2013

Yesterday I tweeted about it and today it is official! Bishop Bernard Hebda has been named Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark. We'll miss Bishop Hebda in the Diocese of Gaylord and I know many will continue to pray for him in his new diocese.

Here's the official announcement from the Diocese of Gaylord...

His Holiness Pope Francis has named the Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, shepherd of the Diocese of Gaylord for the past four years, the Coadjutor Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. The Vatican made the announcement on the September 24, 2013 and it was shared in Washington by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States. The appointment is effective immediately. As coadjutor, Archbishop Hebda will assist the current Metropolitan Archbishop John J. Myers in the administration of the archdiocese and will automatically succeed Archbishop Myers upon his retirement, transfer or death.

"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," Archbishop Hebda penned in a letter upon being informed of the appointment. "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."

Archbishop Hebda said he has been blessed here, finding the Church of Gaylord a wonderful diocese with "gifted clergy, generous deacons, dedicated Religious women, stellar schools, a tradition of prayerful liturgy, a rich history of cultivating lay leadership, and an exemplary commitment to Christian charity and social justice. What wasn't to love? I would have been happy to spend the rest of my days here laboring in the vineyard at your side," he added.