NEW JERSEY/MICHIGAN
Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord
His Holiness Pope Francis has named the Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, shepherd of the Diocese of Gaylord for the past four years, the Coadjutor Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. The Vatican made the announcement on the September 24, 2013 and it was shared in Washington by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States. The appointment is effective immediately. As coadjutor, Archbishop Hebda will assist the current Metropolitan Archbishop John J. Myers in the administration of the archdiocese and will automatically succeed Archbishop Myers upon his retirement, transfer or death.
“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,” Archbishop Hebda penned in a letter upon being informed of the appointment. “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.
Archbishop Hebda said he has been blessed here, finding the Church of Gaylord a wonderful diocese with “gifted clergy, generous deacons, dedicated Religious women, stellar schools, a tradition of prayerful liturgy, a rich history of cultivating lay leadership, and an exemplary commitment to Christian charity and social justice. What wasn’t to love? I would have been happy to spend the rest of my days here laboring in the vineyard at your side,” he added.
“In his six months as Successor of Peter, Pope Francis has captured the attention of the world by his humility and his deep pastoral concern for his flock,” Archbishop Hebda told the Faithful of Gaylord. “I am confident that he will soon bless the Diocese of Gaylord with precisely the Shepherd that you need.
“As I take up my responsibilities in Newark, I would ask that you occasionally remember to pray that I might joyfully serve the Lord in that radically different setting. You can be sure that you will always be remembered in mine,” he concluded.
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