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	A New Bishop: Healing Old Wounds New Hampshire Union Leader September 21, 2011 http://www.unionleader.com/article/20110921/OPINION01/709219995 New Hampshire has a new Roman Catholic bishop, and with him comes the hope for a new era in the Diocese of Manchester. Bishop Peter Anthony Libasci inherits a diocese that aches from pains inflicted long ago and prolonged by the inept ministry of the outgoing bishop. John McCormack, who has retired as Bishop of Manchester, was a part of the cover-up of priest sexual abuse in Boston. In New Hampshire, he initially resisted efforts to bring transparency and closure to the diocese's handling of the sexual abuse scandal, and for many he was infuriatingly unresponsive to complaints. Bishop Libasci seems aware of the need to heal these lingering wounds. He said on Monday that healing them would be a "very, very important part of my life." He is right; it will be. That is, it will be if he is committed to his flock the way a good shepherd must be. It is going to take hard work and dedicated ministry. This will not be an easy or quick task. The bishop would err if he underestimated the depth of mistrust left by his predecessor. In many ways, Bishop Libasci is blessed. New Hampshire is a beautiful place with a strong and faithful church. But with that blessing comes a difficult challenge. We pray he meets it.
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