Pope Francis announces new leadership for Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

WTOV9
July 23, 2019

https://wtov9.com/news/local/breaking-wheeling-charleston-announces-new-leadership

Pope Francis announced new leadership for the the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston on Tuesday morning.

The selection of Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan Mark E. Brennan was made official early Tuesday morning as the ninth bishop of the diocese.

Brennan’s bio can be found here.

Brennan, 72, is currently Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, but says he is no stranger to West Virginia, as his parents retired to the state a number of years ago.

He called himself an admirer of the landscape and the people of West Virginia.

"It will be my first priority to meet and get to know the good people across this diocese who are working each and every day to make lives better, to lift those who are suffering and in need of comfort, support and hope, and through their determined actions, living the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Brennan said. "Even as we work toward bringing about true healing and renewal here in this local Church - work begun so well by Archbishop William Lori - I am full of hope and confidence for what we can accomplish together. There is immense need which is matched by immense desire and determination to reinvigorate the Church here in West Virginia and across our nation. As your brother and servant, I look forward to soon being back with you and to the joy of living and working among you.”

Brennan replaces Bishop Michael Bransfield who retired 10 months ago amid allegations of sexual and financial misconduct.

The formal installation of Bishop Brennan will take place on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.