And our new bishop is...

and our Diocese has put out this article about Bishop-elect Steven Raica, here's the beginning of the article...

Bishop-elect RaicaHis Holiness Pope Francis, has named the Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Raica (RAY-cuh), Chancellor and Vicar General of the Diocese of Lansing, as the new Bishop for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord. Bishop-elect Raica, 61, is the fifth Bishop of Gaylord, succeeding the Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda who was named to the lead the diocese in October of 2009 and served until September, 2013, when he was named Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark. The announcement was made today by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano (Vig-uh-NO), Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, in Washington, D.C.

“As I prepare myself to serve the People of God in the northern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula as a new bishop, I offer my praise and gratitude to the Lord Jesus whose presence in my life has enabled me to experience an abundance of life,” said Bishop-elect Raica in a statement. “My gratitude also goes to Pope Francis for entrusting me with this honor and great responsibility.”

Upon learning of the appointment of his successor, Archbishop Hebda wrote, “The news that Pope Francis has named Msgr. Steven Raica to be the fifth Bishop of Gaylord on this Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is truly a cause for rejoicing. Having known Bishop-Elect Raica for more than a quarter of a century and having had first-hand experience of his pastoral zeal, collaborative spirit, and intellectual gifts, I believe that he will be an excellent shepherd--after the Heart of Jesus--for a flock that I will always remembers as being incredibly loving.

“Knowing Bishop-elect Raica to be a man of prayer, an engaging preacher, an excellent administrator, and a fine friend to many, I am confident that he will be an exceptionally fine bishop,” Archbishop Hebda said. “It will be a pleasure to pray for him and for the wonderful Church of Gaylord as they together prepare to shine the light of Christ throughout the twenty-one counties of the Diocese.”

Read the entire article Pope Francis Names New Bishop for the Diocese of Gaylord at the Diocese of Gaylord.

Also see: What Others are Saying About Our New Bishop and Statement of Bishop-elect Steven J. Raica