Del Arzobispo Bernard A. Hebda
Today’s announcement that Bishop Chad Zielinski has been appointed the next bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm is wonderful news for the Catholic Church in Minnesota. I am grateful that Pope Francis has sent such a capable shepherd to lead our neighboring diocese. Having been ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Gaylord, Bishop Zielinski was one of my priests when I was bishop of that diocese. He was beloved in Northern Michigan for his preaching, his devout celebration of Holy Mass, his fidelity to the Church and his generous and pastoral heart. In his time as Bishop of Fairbanks, moreover, he has exhibited a missionary zeal that never ceased to impress the priests and faithful of our Archdiocese when he would come here to garner support for his apostolic ministry in Alaska. I trust that he will build boldly on the firm foundation that has been Bishop John LeVoir’s legacy to the Church of New Ulm. Please join me in both congratulating Bishop Zielinski and praying for him and for the faithful of the Dioceses of New Ulm and Fairbanks in this time of transition.
