Billings, Mont., Jan 17, 2008 / 09:45 am
Yesterday Bishop Michael Warfel was installed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. The former bishop of the Diocese of Juneau, Alaska and told the congregation that he was thrilled to accept the opportunity to shepherd the people of Montana.
The bishop succeeds Bishop Anthony Milone who resigned for health reasons in July 2006.
Bishop Warfel addressed the congregation saying, “I am here with great excitement and joy to serve the people here. It is my desire to do nothing more than serve with the love of God manifested by Christ on the cross.
Originally from Indiana, Warfel previously served in Alaska, where he was for over 30 years; first as a priest, then as a bishop. During his first homily as Bishop of Great Falls-Billings, he told the story of how he came to be bishop of Juneau, Alaska.