Hanchon and Byrnes appiointed bishops

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At noon today in Rome, the Holy See announced that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Monsignor Donald Hanchon and Father Michael Byrnes Auxiliary Bishops here in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Their nomination to the Episcopacy is a cause of great joy to all of us in this local church, and certainly to me personally, since I will have them among my closest co-workers. I very much look forward to ordaining them bishops at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Thursday, May 5.

They are both outstanding priests, among the best in our Presbyterate. I have been privileged to know each of them since their years in seminary formation – Bishop Hanchon when we were students together, Bishop Byrnes when he was my student. They are zealous priests, each in his own way distinguished for the skills and accomplishments he brings to the Episcopacy.

I have determined that Bishop Hanchon will continue to serve as the Regional Moderator for the Central Pastoral Region of the Archdiocese. I am confident that the graces of his Episcopal office will greatly enhance the leadership he has already shown in this role. For the interim, Bishop Hanchon will continue as pastor of Holy Redeemer Church until we can provide for the orderly transition of that important office to his successor.

As of July 1, Bishop Byrnes will become the Moderator for the Northeast Pastoral Region, succeeding Father Timothy Hogan in that post. I know that in this role, Bishop Byrnes will give exemplary support to the pastors and people of the region, particularly in line with the pastoral priorities helping our parishes become more vigorous, advancing Catholic education, and strengthening the priesthood.

The appointment of these new bishops is an important event – yes, for them personally, but above all, for the Church. It is time for us to embark anew on our mission of sharing Christ in and through the Church. They are given to us as bishops for no other purpose than this. We embrace and affirm them in that spirit today. And all of us in the Archdiocese are one with them in praying that, like Blessed John Paul the Great, whose beatification we will celebrate on the Sunday before they are ordained, Bishop Hanchon and Bishop Byrnes will be witnesses to hope in Christ – and renewed hope is the great grace our city and region need at this moment in history.