This came earlier today. With Bishop Aymond having been in Austin only since 2000, his move comes as something of a surprise. The bishop has been a strong supporter of the diaconate in this diocese and he has brought many positive changes overall to the Diocese of Austin. We have been blessed greatly by his service. May God bless him in his new appointment. Here's the story:
Bishop Gregory Aymond, who has led the Austin Diocese since 2000, has been selected by Pope Benedict XVI as the next archbishop of New Orleans, making him the first New Orleans native to hold that position, the diocese announced Friday.
"It's not often that I'm at a loss for words, but today has been one of those days," Aymond, 59, said at a news conference Friday at the Diocese of Austin's Pastoral Center — held about five hours after he wrapped up a news conference in New Orleans.
He said he had mixed emotions when he received the call a week ago about his appointment as archbishop-designate in the city where he was born and raised.
"I felt that my life had been turned upside down, but I do appreciate the pope's trust that I can give the shepherd's care to the Diocese of New Orleans," Aymond said.
Aymond will succeed Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, who is retiring after seven years in the position. Hughes turned 75 in 2007; according to canon law, bishops submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said in an announcement.
At his news conference in New Orleans, Aymond said his only goal when he returns to the city is "to be among the people, to listen. ... I don't want to assume anything.
"I want to reconnect with people and with the very unique and wonderful culture" of New Orleans, Aymond said.
He said he expects to be installed in his new position Aug. 20.
In a letter to the clerics who serve an estimated 400,000 Catholics in Central Texas, Aymond wrote, "I have been privileged to serve as the Bishop of Austin for the last nine years. Central Texas has become home — I have enjoyed our ministry together and being a part of this vibrant, fast-growing diocese. I am very grateful to God and to each of you."
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