Statement by Bishop Loverde on Archbishop O'Brien's Appointment

Special to the HERALD
(From the Issue of 7/19/07)

Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde released the following statement on the retirement of Cardinal William Keeler and the appointment of Archbishop Edwin O’Brien as the next Archbishop of Baltimore. His statement follows:

“I rejoice in the appointment by Pope Benedict XVI of His Excellency The Most Reverend Edwin F. O’Brien as the next Metropolitan Archbishop of Baltimore, succeeding His Eminence William Cardinal Keeler. I offer to Archbishop O’Brien warmest congratulations and the assurance of prayer, not only on my part, but also on behalf of all the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Arlington. Our diocese is a suffragan see within the Province of Baltimore and the bond of the Metropolitan Archbishop with us is a treasured one. Therefore, all of us pledge to our new Metropolitan enduring support as together we seek to further the Kingdom of God within our provincial boundaries.
“I have known Archbishop O’Brien for nearly 20 years. His passionate love for the Church, his fraternal care for the priests and seminarians, his ability to encourage all the faithful in seeking justice and peace and that holiness of life which is the vocation of every Christian: these are among the many gifts of mind and heart which he will bring to his future ministry in Baltimore. May the Lord give Archbishop O’Brien every blessing and length of days in our midst. ‘Ad Multos Gloriosque Annos!’
“I also wish to thank His Eminence William Cardinal Keeler for his extraordinary service as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Baltimore since 1989. Not only has the Archdiocese of Baltimore been enriched by his presence and ministry, but so also here in the Province of Baltimore, the Church in the United States and the Universal Church. I shall continue to treasure his kindness to me and his gracious care and unfailing interest in our diocesan Church of Arlington. May the Good Shepherd give him much peace and strength in body, mind and spirit. Our diocesan family joins me in thanking him and wishing him as well ‘Ad Multos Gloriosque Annos!’”