Pope Francis Accepts the Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hanchon
March 3, 2023—This morning, the Holy See announced that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hanchon. Having reached 75 years of age in October of last year, Bishop Hanchon submitted his resignation at that time as required by Church law.
Bishop Hanchon, a native of Jackson, Michigan, was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Detroit on Oct. 19, 1974, and was ordained an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese on May 5, 2011. Most recently, Bishop Hanchon has served as the regional moderator for the Central Region of the Archdiocese, assisting Archbishop of Detroit Allen H. Vigneron in the pastoral care of the region’s parishes and schools. The Central Region includes the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. For full biographical information on Bishop Hanchon, visit aod.org/bishop-donald-hanchon.
“It has been a great blessing to serve alongside such an outstanding priest and to have him as a brother bishop aiding in my charge of shepherding the people of God in southeast Michigan,” Archbishop Vigneron said. “His pastoral leadership, especially in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, has been an abundant source of grace for those under his care and will continue to resonate for many years.”
Bishop Hanchon will continue his duties as regional moderator for the Central Region of the Archdiocese until another provision is made.
“I hasten to tell you that I am not disappearing! I will continue to do Confirmations and try to be of help in any way that I can – much as I had, along with several others, before I became an auxiliary bishop,” Bishop Hanchon said. “I am grateful for the ways being an auxiliary bishop has allowed me to serve, and I ask for your continued prayers.”
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