WHEELING — The Wheeling-Charleston Diocese announced Tuesday morning the new bishop of the Diocese is Rev. Mark Brennan, currently Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He’ll be introduced at a news conference set for 9 a.m. in Wheeling.
Brennan’s selection by Pope Francis to replace the resigned Michael Bransfield started to surface Monday night.
Brennan, 72, is a native of Boston who has spent most of his time in ministry in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed the new bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese and am grateful to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for his confidence in me to now lead the Catholic faithful here in West Virginia in a spirit of true Christian service,” Brennan said in the Tuesday morning statement. “As my parents both retired to this great State a number of years ago, I am no stranger and, in fact, a great admirer of the beauty of its landscape and people. It will be my first priority to meet and get to know the good people across this diocese who are working each and every day to make lives better, to lift those who are suffering and in need of comfort, support and hope, and through their determined actions, living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even as we work toward bringing about true healing and renewal here in this local Church — work begun so well by Archbishop William Lori — I am full of hope and confidence for what we can accomplish together. There is immense need which is matched by immense desire and determination to reinvigorate the Church here in West Virginia and across our nation. As your brother and servant, I look forward to soon being back with you and to the joy of living and working among you.”
Brennan’s formal installation is scheduled for Aug. 22 in Wheeling.
Brennan will assume the leadership of a struggling diocese that’s seen the results of an investigation into Bransfield that said sexual harassment allegations against him were credible and his lavish spending of church money was inexcusable. Pope Francis announced disciplinary action last Friday against Bransfield.
Reports indicate it will be up to Brennan to decide the specific discipline against Bransfield when it comes to what Pope Francis described as his harm to others.
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