Statement from Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington Appointment of Bishop Kevin Farrell to Head New Vatican Dicastery

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

“The appointment by our Holy Father, Pope Francis, of Bishop Kevin Farrell as the head of the newly created dicastery charged with oversight of the Church’s apostolate involving laity, family and life issues is welcome news given Bishop Farrell’s demonstrated pastoral skills and his recognized administrative abilities.

“Before his transfer to Dallas as head of that large diocesan Church, he served with distinction first as a priest and then later Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Washington. He has also served with great care as an officer of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“At a time when our Holy Father is calling the attention of the whole Church to the role of the laity and the importance of a robust, pastoral activity and support of family and married life through the establishment of this new dicastery to focus and coordinate this work, the leadership that Bishop Farrell brings will be a blessing for all of us. How appropriate that so soon after the publication of the post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia with its widespread and wholehearted reception in the Church, we would now have a new Vatican office to further that important ministry. We rejoice to know that this challenge has been entrusted to the very competent Bishop Farrell.

“Our prayers and best wishes go with Bishop Farrell as he now moves to Rome and his new responsibilities.”

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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 94 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s. www.adw.org.

CONTACT:
Chieko Noguchi
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