Reflections on Archbishop-elect Chatlain

It was with great rejoicing that we, as an archdiocese, learned of the appointment of Bishop Murray Chatlain as our new Pastor.

This is a significant moment for ourselves as a diocese and for the local church. We have been without an archbishop since July and we have been very grateful for Fr. William Stang, OMI who has served as Apostolic Adminstrator during these months. I think there can be only one other person, than Bishop Chatlain, who is happier and that is Fr. Bill. May God bless him for his faithful service and guidance over these months.

This is a diocesan first for us in our history. With the appointment of Archbishop Chatlain, it is the very first time, in our history as a diocese that we have a diocesan priest as our Archbishop. Until now we have had the generous service of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as our bishops.

This appointment signifies a moment of renewal for ourselves, as a diocese, as we have a man with a new charism and spirituality as a diocesan priest to shape and mold our diocese. There are subtle differences in the spirituality of religious and diocesan priests. They each contribute in their own way to the shaping of the faith and we have need of each other.

I am looking forward to the years ahead with Archbishop Chatlain and ask you to join me in praying for him and the faithful of the Diocese of Mckenzie - Fort Smith in giving us a good Shepherd.

We celebrated mass for the new archbishop this morning and there was great rejoicing at St. Ann's that God has indeed blessed us with a renewed hope and spirit for our Archdiocese.

Thanks be to God!

Ad Multos Annos!