Grand Rapids, Mich., Apr 18, 2013 / 09:28 am
Father David J. Walkowiak, a priest of the Cleveland diocese, was appointed Bishop of Grand Rapids, Mich., on April 18 by Pope Francis.
"I am grateful to Pope Francis for entrusting me with this apostolic office as bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids," said Bishop-designate Walkowiak.
"In accepting this appointment I renew my trust in the Lord who asks me to set out again on a new mission. I thank God for providing me with the opportunity to serve this local church, which I pray will be a blessing to its people."
Bishop-designate Walkowiak will be consecrated a bishop June 18, becoming the 12th bishop of Grand Rapids. The diocese is located in western Michigan, and is home to 182,000 Catholics in 82 parishes. In 2006, nearly 13 percent of the total population of the diocese was Catholic.