US Bishop Changes: Harrisburg, Lexington, Sacramento

[davidc2]

This morning the Holy See announced the decision of Pope Francis to name Bishop Ronald William Gainer as the new Bishop of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.

The diocese had been vacant since the death of Bishop Joseph Patrick McFadden in May 2013.

Bishop Gainer had been serving as Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky.

In addition, Bishop-elect Myron Joseph Cotta was named Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento, California, USA and titular bishop of Muteci.

 

[hwriggles4]

While I was praying for Fr. Trigilio and Bishop Walterschied for the Diocese of Harrisburg, I think Gainer will be a good choice for Harrisburg. Bishop Gainer is also returning to his home state of Pennsylvania, since his home diocese is Allentown, just north of Philadelphia.

From what I read about Bishop Gainer, he was outspoken in 2004 that pro-choice politicians should not receive Holy Communion. Tom Ridge, who is Catholic (and a Republican) is pro-choice and a past governor of Pennsylvania. I hope Bishop Gainer continues to support this view.

Looks like Albany is still up in the air, since Bishop Hubbard’s resignation (to my knowledge) has not yet been officially accepted. Maybe Auxiliary Bishop Walterschied will get tapped for the Albany Diocese. I wish Cardinal Dolan would step in and order Governor Andrew Cuomo not to receive communion, particularly after Cuomo’s “rant” last week criticizing those with conservative values. Cuomo is also living in sin with his girlfriend, and has been for years.

I’ve already heard good things going on in the Diocese of Rochester (NY), and Bishop Matano has only been there for a matter of weeks.

 

[janeway529]

I’m happy for Msgr. Myron Cotta. He’ll be a great auxiliary bishop! He was the Vicar General for the late Bishop Thomas Steinbock in Fresno and served as Apostolic Administrator until Bishop Ochoa was named Bishop of Fresno.