Hebda, Bishop of Diocese of Gaylord, Named Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark, N.J.

By Jordan Spence
Petoskey News
September 24, 2013

http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/featured/pnr-hebda-bishop-of-diocese-of-gaylord-named-coadjutor-archbishop-of-newark-nj-20130924,0,3684831.story

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.”

The Rev. Msgr. Francis Murphy, who has served as vicar general said he wasn’t shocked by the announcement.

“We have been expecting something like this since he arrived here. He has a lot of obvious talent and we knew that one day he would be called upon to serve the greater church,” Murphy said in a statement released by the diocese. “We were happy to have him for as long as we did.”

With the new appointment, the Diocese of Gaylord becomes the 11th diocese in the United States to have a vacant see (bishop opening). In the coming days, Murphy will meet with the diocesan College of Consultors, in order to elect a diocesan administrator. This person will serve at the Diocese of Gaylord until the appointment of the fifth Bishop of Gaylord is made by the pope.

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