PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, JUNE 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor Timothy Senior as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Bishop-designate Senior, 49, has been a priest since 1985 and is currently serving as the archdiocesan vicar for clergy.
After hearing of his appointment, he stated in a press conference: «I love being a priest! As a priest, I have encountered the abiding and irresistible love of God drawing me ever more deeply into relationship with him.
«In my life as a priest, I have been given opportunities to grow and to serve that I could not have imagined or planned for myself.
«The life of a priest is challenging and fulfilling in countless and surprising ways. I am confident that my future ministry as a bishop will be the same.»
The bishop-elect concluded with a prayer for the «ever -deepening desire» to do God’s will and to «give my life completely in the service of his Church.»
Philadelphia’s archbishop, Cardinal Justin Rigali, noted the bishop-designate’s «notable administrative gifts» and «tireless work ethic,» as well as his «priestly heart, his wise counsel, his keen intelligence and his prayerful serenity.»
The cardinal continued: «[He] has collaborated with me during my five years as archbishop of Philadelphia and I have seen first-hand his devotion not only for his brother priests, but to the faithful of the entire archdiocese. He is an exemplary priest with a great love for the Church.»
The episcopal ordination will take place July 31.
The archdiocese has some 1,460,758 Catholics served by 1,008 priests, 220 permanent deacons and 3,433 religious.
