Statement of Cardinal Keeler on the Appointment of Rev. Msgr. Mitchell Rozanski

This morning the Holy See announced the appointment by Pope John Paul II of Monsignor Mitchell T. Rozanski as Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore and Titular Bishop of Walla Walla.

With the many who know Bishop-elect Rozanski personally, I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for this appointment and look forward to working with the new bishop as a valued helper in the vineyard of the Lord. Bishop Rozanski has served as Vicar Forane for our parishes in Anne Arundel County. Now he will have greater responsibilities as the Vicar Bishop for the Eastern Vicariate, succeeding Bishop William C. Newman, who retired last year.

In addition, as Auxiliary Bishop, he will assist in the visitation of parishes and in administering the Sacrament of Confirmation throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

We look forward to his ordination as bishop at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on August 24, 2004, the feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle.