Pope announces leadership change for Sault diocese

A Sault Ste. Marie-based Roman Catholic cleric will depart in a few weeks to take over a Nova Scotia parish that has been rocked by child pornography charges against its former leader.

The Most Reverend Brian Dunn has served as the auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie for just over a year.

As incoming bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish, he succeeds Raymond Lahey who resigned in September after being charged with importing child pornography following a random airport check of his laptop computer.

The following news release has been issued by the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie:

************************* SUDBURY, ON - (November 21) - This morning in Rome, the Holy Father, Benedict XVI announced the appointment of the Most Reverend Brian Dunn, as bishop of Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Since his episcopal ordination on October 9, 2008 until today, Bishop Dunn has served as the auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, particularly in the Sault Ste. Marie and North Shore/ Manitoulin regions.

In response, Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie says: “Bishop Dunn will be missed by many in this diocese and personally, I am losing a very competent and dedicated immediate collaborator. This is a real sacrifice for our diocese, Bishop Simard and me.

"However, I am sure that out of love for our Church in Canada, all will understand this appointment of the Holy Father at this particular time. It makes our loss easier to accept.

"In just a year, Bishop Dunn has reached out to every single parish from Manitouwadge to Espanola and all of Manitoulin Island.

"Even though his episcopal ministry among us was brief, we will always remember him for his kind and jovial approach to people.

"We wish him well as he undertakes his new and very challenging responsibilities and we assure him of our prayers and most sincere gratitude.”

Bishop Dunn becomes the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish.

The Diocese was established on September 22, 1844.

Today it serves a population of 129,730 Roman Catholics and comprises the seven counties of Northeastern Nova Scotia.

The date of Bishop Dunn’s installation as bishop of Antigonish will be announced in the near future.

************************* Yesterday on SooToday.com

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