Pope appoints new Bishop for Portland, Maine

Vatican City, Feb 9, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Pope John Paul II appointed as the new Bishop of Portland, Maine, the Most Reverend Richard Joseph Malone, Auxiliary of Boston.

Bishop Malone was born on March 19, 1946, in Salem (Massachusetts). He studied Philosophy at the “Saint John’s Seminary College” and Theology at “Saint John’s Major Seminary” in Brighton.  He graduated in Religion and Education at Boston University and was ordained a priest on May 20, 1972.

After his ordination he was Vicar at Saint Patrick Parish in Stoneham (1972-1974); Chaplain at the Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood (1976-1979); Professor of Theology and Spiritual Director at the Seminary in Boston (1979-1990); Director of Campus Ministry in Harvard (1990-1993); Director of Religious Education  (since 1993 until now).

He was appointed Auxiliary of Boston on January 27, 2000.

The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Joseph John Gerry, O.S.B., upon having reached the age limit.

The Pope also accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the Diocese of Madison presented by Bishop George O. Wirz, upon having reached the age limit.