A new spiritual leader has been appointed for the 230,000 Roman Catholics in western Massachusetts. Bishop Mitchell Rozanski will replace Bishop Timothy McDonnell as head of the Springfield diocese. The new bishop left a good first impression, but will face many challenges.
The new bishop, a lifelong resident of the Baltimore, Maryland area, set foot in western Massachusetts for the first time just a day before his appointment was publicly announced by the Vatican. Rozanski was taken by Bishop McDonnell on a tour of Springfield and the surrounding area. The following morning he greeted dozens of priests, nuns, and other well-wishers in the parish center at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield.
" I really feel already at home because of your welcome," said Rozanski
Rozanski was born in Baltimore, attended schools in the area, was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1984, and became an auxiliary bishop there in 2004. He said he will follow the tone set by Pope Francis as he gets to know his new territory.
" Just bringing the joy and the love of the gospel to others. That is the agenda I have right now."
Rozanski is 55, so he could theoretically head the Springfield diocese for the next 20 years. McDonnell reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 almost 18 months ago. Rozanski is the first Polish-American appointed bishop of the Springfield diocese, which has a sizable Polish population.
The Springfield diocese also has a large Latino population. Rozanski served as Vicar of Hispanics in the Baltimore Archdiocese and has been outspoken in welcoming immigrants to the church.
" We need to make them feel welcome at home and that they have our love and support here."
The Springfield diocese has 82 parishes located in urban centers such as Springfield and Holyoke and in small towns in rural Franklin and Berkshire counties.
The new bishop will have to confront lingering bitterness over church closings and parish mergers that occurred in the last 10 years. Enrollment in Catholic schools has plummeted. Cathedral High School was displaced by the tornado three years ago and the diocese just recently announced intentions to rebuild in Springfield.
" There are different issues certainly. We are a church filled with humans, we always have different issues. I look forward to welcoming back those who feel alienated from the church."
Dave Vigneault, a regular parishioner at St. Michael’s, said Rozanski made a good first impression.
" I like him. He seems to be a regular guy and he spoke from the heart."
Sister Paula Robillard, Director of Faith Formation for the diocese, said she spoke briefly with Rozanski and was struck by his energy and enthusiasm.
" Bishop McDonnell has done a tremendous job being an evangelizer and we need someone to pick up where he left off."
McDonnell became bishop of the Springfield diocese in 2004. The previous bishop, Thomas Dupre, resigned reportedly for health reasons after he was indicted in a child abuse case. There was no criminal prosecution because the statute of limitations had expired.
A formal installation mass for the new bishop is scheduled on August 12th.
