By Tom Planchet
WWL
June 12, 2009
http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl061209tpbenedict.721d1d26.html
NEW ORLEANS – It marks the beginning of a new era of leadership for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. On Friday, Archbishop Alfred Hughes formally announced his retirement and the appointment of his successor, the current Bishop of Austin, Gregory Aymond.
It marks the beginning of a new era of leadership for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. On Friday, Archbishop Alfred Hughes formally announced his retirement and the appointment of his successor, the current Bishop of Austin, Gregory Aymond.
Aymond will become the first native New Orleanian to become archbishop here.
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| Archdiocese of New Orleans Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond |
Archbishop Aymond made his first public appearance in New Orleans, since the Pope appointed him the 14th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
"Never in my wildest dreams would i have ever thought that I would be back here as archbishop," Archbishop-designate Aymond said.
During the transition period, Archbishop Hughes will remain in the archdiocese in an administrative role, but as of Friday, he was no longer the Archbishop of New Orleans. Hughes tenure was marked with a number of controversies and challenges, including a church sex abuse scandal, Hurricane Katrina and the closure of more than two dozen churches last year.
"I want to publicly express my sorrow and beg forgiveness of those who experienced continued hurt or may also experience anger," former Archbishop Hughes said during Friday's media conference. "I have never wanted, in any way, to hurt anyone."
Alden Hagardorn with the group "Friends of St. Henry," said parishioners at the now-closed Uptown church are hoping to get a chance to meet with the new Archbishop.
"He's got a lot on his plate. This is not a luxury job he's walking into. There's a lot of harm been done, there's a lot of problems here," Hagardorn said. "Our parishioners just feel like we've got a shot at getting our doors open. They're ecstatic. They're happy."
Not everyone, though, is pleased with Aymond's appointment.
A group called the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, also known as SNAP, issued a statement Friday, saying that Aymond had "a troubling track record on clergy sex cases and cover ups." The statement went on to say, "Aymond publicly opposed... proven reform: posting the names of predator priests on church websites, so families can protect their children."
Aymond was also a bishop in New Orleans back in 1999, during the sex abuse case involving Catholic school coach Bryan Matherne in St. Charles Parish. Critics question Aymond's handling of that case, but the Archbishop said on Friday that it was handled within established legal framework.
"I would be certainly willing to meet with those who feel very much offended and hurt, by that situation and those who literally were abused and became victims, I would want to meet with them and any other victims," Archbishop-designate Aymond said.
As for parishioners who may be hoping their churches will be re-opened, Aymond said he had to take a closer look at what had been done. He felt his responsibility was not to second guess those decisions, but rather, move forward. However, Aymond added that he would be willing to meet with those parishioners.
Aymond will be formally installed as Archbishop of New Orleans at Mass on August 20.
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