Bishop Wenski named to lead Catholic Archdiocese of Miami

Miami, Fla., Apr 20, 2010 / 08:24 am

On Tuesday, the Holy Father appointed Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando as Archbishop of Miami. Archbishop-designate Wenski is succeeding Archbishop John C. Favalora, whose retirement resignation was recently accepted by Pope Benedict.

“Humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in me and aware of my own limitations and shortcomings, I once again ask the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, that I may worthily fulfill my new duties as the fourth Archbishop of Miami upon my installation on June 1, 2010,” said Bishop Wenski in a statement Tuesday. 

Bishop Wenski was born in West Palm Beach in 1950 and grew up in Lake Worth, Florida where he attended Catholic school. After studying at St. John Vianney Minor Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Major Seminary in Boynton Beach, he was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Miami in 1976.

In 1996, after being appointed director of Catholic Charities, Bishop Wenski lead an effort to provide over 150,000 pounds of food to Caritas Cuba for Hurricane Lily relief efforts.

In 1997, he was appointed as auxiliary bishop of Miami and in 2003, the John Paul II appointed him as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Orlando.

Bishop Wenski will succeed Archbishop John Favalora, who said on Tuesday that after being “blessed” to serve in his position for almost 16 years, he welcomes the new archbishop with “resounding joy.”

“His many pastoral gifts suit him exceptionally well to be our Chief Shepherd,” Archbishop Favalora said of Bishop Wenski.  “His extensive understanding of and experience with Central and South America and the Caribbean Island nations will enhance the international relationships we already enjoy.”

“His linguistic skills enable him to communicate well with our neighboring nations and Churches,” Archbishop Favalora added. Archbishop-designate Wenski is fluent in English, Spanish and Creole.

Bishop Wenski will be installed in Miami on June 1, 2010.

“As I prepare to become your Archbishop,” said Bishop Wenski, “I ask all of you, auxiliary bishops, priests, deacons, religious and members of Christ’s faithful, for your prayers and for your support.”

“I ask the same from the other faith communities of South Florida and I look forward to collaborating with them and with our civic and political leaders to promote the common good and the dignity of the human person made in the 'image and likeness of God.'”