Vatican City, Oct 15, 2008 / 08:09 am
This morning Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop John M. Quinn, currently an auxiliary bishop of Detroit, to succeed Bishop Bernard Harrington as the Bishop of Winona, Minnesota.
Last month, Bishop Harrington submitted his retirement to the Holy Father upon having reached the age limit of 75. While the Holy Father has not yet accepted Bishop Harrington´s retirement, the appointment of Bishop Quinn as his successor makes evident the fact that it will be accepted.
Bishop Quinn reacted to news of his new post by saying he was “humbled by the Holy Father’s appointment, and delighted for the opportunity to serve the faithful of Winona.” The newly appointed coadjutor bishop for Winona also praised his friend Bishop Harrington for doing a “phenomenal job¨ in leading the Church in Winona. “It will be a pleasure to serve with him again,” said Bishop Quinn, who worked with him in Detroit.
Bishop Harrington said that he looks forward to working with Bishop Quinn, who
brings “magnificent pastoral skills,” and is a “joy-filled person.” “The Diocese of Winona is blessed to have Bishop Quinn as the new coadjutor bishop,” said Bishop Harrington. “He brings with him many talents. He is committed to Catholic education. He is a strong supporter of the rights of the poor. He is a jovial, fun-filled person who will fit in very well here in the Diocese of Winona. God has blessed us with a great bishop of faith and humility.”