.- The Diocese of Fargo yesterday announced that Pope John Paul II has named Bishop Samuel J. Aquila, Bishop of Fargo, as interim administrator for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The announcement comes following the instillation of Sioux Fall’s former bishop, Robert Carlson, as the new Bishop of Saginaw, Michigan.
Bishop Aquila stated that he is “grateful for the confidence of the Holy Father and look forward to helping the Diocese of Sioux Falls until a new bishop is named.”
He added that, “Bishop Carlson is a friend and, through him, I am familiar with some of the priests and know of the great people in the diocese… I look forward to working with the priests, religious and laity in maintaining the great faith life of this local church.”
Bishop Aquila will remain bishop of Fargo in addition to his duties in neighboring Sioux Falls.
The west coast native has been Bishop of Fargo since 2002 and was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Denver in 1976.
Bishop Carson commented that he was “delighted at the Holy Father’s appointment…and thankful for [Aquila’s] generosity in saying yes to this challenge.”
“He will be a great blessing to the Diocese of Sioux Falls.”
