Vatican City, Nov 21, 2017 / 05:34 am
On Tuesday, the Vatican announced Pope Francis' appointment of Fr. Shawn McKnight as the next bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, and Msgr. Mark Spalding as the new leader of the Diocese of Nashville.
In a Nov. 21 statement coinciding with the Vatican announcement, Fr. Michael Johnston, who until now has served as Apostolic Administrator for the Nashville diocese, voiced his gratitude to both Pope Francis for the appointment, and to Msgr. Spalding himself for his "generosity" in accepting the role.
Johnston described Spalding as "a man filled with enthusiasm and excitement" for his new responsibilities, and someone who has "a strong work ethic, a deep love for the Lord and his people, and a great desire to lead and serve."
"He has already expressed such a keen interest in learning about the Diocese of Nashville, in listening to our needs and our hopes and dreams, and then discerning the direction the Holy Spirit wishes to take us," Johnston said. "With God's gift to him of this spirit of service and willingness to lead us, we are truly blessed."