.- Today Pope Benedict accepted the resignation of Bishop Harrington from his post as Bishop of Winona. Harrington, who served the diocese as bishop for nearly 11 years, will be replaced by Winona’s co-adjutor bishop, Most Rev. John Quinn.
The diocese which has an estimated Catholic population of 131,280, will receive Bishop John M. Quinn, 63, as their new bishop. According to the diocese, his previous work includes a Masters and Doctorate in Systematic Theology at the Catholic University of America. He’s worked as a teacher, as the Director of the Detroit Archdiocese Office of Justice and Peace, and the Director of the Archdiocesan Office of Catechetics and Education.
Quinn’s appointment did not come as a surprise because a co-adjutor bishop automatically succeeds the bishop of the diocese upon retirement, removal, or death.
Harrington, who served as the seventh Bishop of Winona, submitted his resignation, as required at the age of 75, and was accepted by Pope Benedict. Harrington previously served his native Archdiocese of Detroit as President of Sacred Heart Seminary College, Director of the Department of Formation, and as a regional bishop for Macomb and St. Clair Counties.
Before retirement, CNA reported that Harrington joined the chorus of bishops that denounced Notre Dame’s decision to honor President Obama with an honorary degree at their commencement address next week, by saying the decision was a “no win” for the Church in the United States.
