New Archbishop chosen for Boston
Pope Francis has chosen current Providence Bishop Richard Henning to become the new Archbishop of Boston, replacing Cardinal Seán O’Malley in October. Henning introduced himself in a recent press conference saying, “I was deeply shocked and surprised by this . . . But I know the goodness of God suffices in all things. I will trust in him.” His predecessor Archbishop O’Malley spoke of the time to come with hope and renewal for the Diocese, saying, “Henning brings the heart of a pastor in his new role.”
Bishop Henning grew up in Long Island, and after becoming a Scripture scholar and biblical theologian taught at the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s seminary. Many of his fellow bishops have commented that parish life has always been the heart of his ministry.
Bishop Henning mentioned to the National Catholic Register that he hopes to get involved in the dialogue about the issue of abortion. Additionally he acknowledges the fact that the Church is facing problems that it has never seen before, as he said, “I’m also a student of history, and I know that the Church has faced so many very large crises over 2,000 years . . . But we come to them with that broader perspective that ultimately God is in charge, that we may be sinners, we may make mistakes, but that we trust that God is going to guide his Church out of the morass.”
Read the National Catholic Register’s article on Bishop Henning’s appointment here.