Loading
Iowa bishop steps down due to health problems

.- Pope Benedict XVI has granted a request by Bishop Joseph L. Charron, C.PP.S., of Des Moines, Iowa to retire due to health reasons.  The Holy Father, however, did not name a successor for the 67-year old Bishop.

According to a press release from the midwestern diocese, the diocesan College of Consultors, will gather within eight days to name an administrator, a priest, to maintain the administration of the diocese until the Holy Father names a new bishop for the Diocese of Des Moines.

Bishop Charron, wrote a letter to the Holy Father on August 15th, 2006, saying that he had recently been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica, or PMR, a chronic condition. According to Charron, his doctor had recommended he consider retirement, and after a great deal of prayerful discernment for his future and for how the people of the diocese could best be served, he asked to retire early.

The bishop noted at a press conference today that is decision did not come, “lightly or quickly.”

“I have not been feeling well for some time,” Charron told the diocese.  “I have prayerfully considered how this diagnosis would affect my ability to serve the people of southwest Iowa. I have looked to the Holy Spirit for guidance, have sought wise counsel, and truly have trusted in your many prayers for me.”

Bishop Charron had served as bishop of Des Moines for 13 years, after having served as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.



Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com

* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages

RESOURCES »

Featured Videos

Pope Francis prays over a sick boy in St Peter's Square
Pope Francis prays over a sick boy in St Peter's Square
Denver women's clinic will offer natural, Catholic care
Interview Clips: Barbara Nicolosi speaks to CNA
US Cardinals press conference at North American College
Pope Benedict to retire to monastery inside Vatican City
Pope cites waning strength as reason for resignation
Hundreds convene in Denver to urge respect for life
New Orange bishop encourages Catholic unity in diversity
Chinese pro-life activist calls for reform, international attention
At Lincoln installation, Bishop Conley says holiness is success
Mother Cabrini shrine reopens in Chicago after a decade
Ordination of 33 deacons fills St. Peter's with joy
Cardinal says "Charity is the mother of all the virtues"
Augustine Institute expands evangelization effort with new campus
Bishops recall 'Way of St. James' as chance to trust in God
Los Angeles cathedral's newest chapel houses Guadalupe relic
Lay missionaries to the poor open new Denver headquarters
New Buffalo bishop stresses need for modern-day martyrs
Guadalupe message resounds at Los Angeles' massive Marian festival
Pastors of Aurora churches comfort, encourage parishioners
May
23

Liturgical Calendar

May 23, 2013

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

All readings:
Today »
This year »

Catholic Daily

Gospel of the Day

Lc 22,14-20

Gospel
Date
05/23/13
05/22/13
05/21/13

Daily Readings


First Reading:: Sir 5:1-8
Gospel:: Mk 9:41-49

Homily of the Day

Lc 22,14-20

Homily
Date
05/23/13
05/22/13
05/21/13

Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com

Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com
     HTML
Text only
Headlines
  

Follow us: