The Holy Father this morning has appointed Bishop Samuel Aquila, currently bishop of Fargo, North Dakota, the new archbishop of Denver.
The See of Denver has been vacant since its former bishop, Archbishop Chaput, was appointed to Philadelphia a number of months ago.
Archbishop Aquila is one of our next-door neighbors, so to speak, for those of us in the Winona diocese. He was one of the bishops of Region VIII who accompanied Bishop Quinn when they made their ad limina visit to Rome this spring.
Deacon James Hunt is from Fargo. He was on loan to us in Winona for a short while three years ago, and I got to know him during that time. I am sure Deacon Jim you are a little sad to see your bishop move on.
Also this morning, Bishop Richard Malone was appointed bishop of Buffalo. He formerly was bishop of Portland (Maine).
Congratulations, Archdiocese of Denver and Diocese of Buffalo!
