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Wisconsin bishops welcome new appointment

Related articles ...  • Enthusiastic new bishop does plenty of visiting     On his first part-day he goes to school, pantry; meets press, employees, priests  • New bishop has plans     Spirituality, meeting people top the list  • Sidebar: Biography  • Diocesan employees react with enthusiasm to new bishop     They find him to be young, pastoral, warm, engaging and also enthusiastic  • Bishop Banks' Corner --     Still busy for next two months  • Editorial -- Impressive choice     The new bishop of the Green Bay Diocese makes a favorable first impression in visit Previous coverage ... From 10/10/2003 Compass Web issue:  • New bishop to lead Green Bay Diocese     Pittsburgh Auxiliary Bishop David Zubik will succeed Bishop Robert Banks (includes photos)  • Statement by Bishop David A. Zubik

Here are how others in the state reacted to the appointment of Bp. David Zubik to lead the Green Bay Diocese:

Abp. Timothy Dolan of Milwaukee: "As is the case with all who have admired him as a priest and bishop, I was delighted with the Holy Father's appointment of Bp. David Zubik as the new bishop of our neighbor, the Diocese of Green Bay. I was in Pittsburgh last week to preach a retreat to the priests of the diocese, and there heard a chorus of appreciation for his fidelity and zeal. He is a good friend, and I so look forward to having him here in Wisconsin. I'm also happy that Bp. Robert Banks will stay close, so we can continue to benefit from his wisdom and devotion."

Bp. Raymond Burke of La Crosse: "I am deeply grateful for the news of the appointment of the Most Rev. David Zubik as Bishop of Green Bay. I have known Bp. Zubik since my days of service at the Apostolic Signatura which he visited in assisting, at a very high level of responsibility, his diocesan bishop, Bp. Donald Wuerl of Pittsburgh. I was always impressed by his priestly character and his competence.

"Since his ordination to the episcopate, I have had occasion to get to know him through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in which he is a faithful and tireless co-worker with his brother bishops in our nation. I look forward to working with Bp. Zubik in serving the faithful of Wisconsin. The Diocese of Green Bay and the Diocese of La Crosse, established at the same time, serve respectively the faithful of East Central Wisconsin and West Central Wisconsin. I look forward to continuing with Bp. Zubik the close bonds of unity between our dioceses."

Bp. Raphael Fliss of Superior: "I personally look forward to Bp. Zubik's arrival and his official acceptance of responsibility for the Diocese of Green Bay. He will, of course, find it in good order and very much alive, vibrant and full of faith. He and I may possibly have some generational background we can share.

"We wish Bp. Banks all the best for a well-deserved respite from his many years of service to the church. Retirement will give him a 'second wind' for that rest and relaxation. What a blessing it is for Bp. Zubik to have three great bishops to be at his side!"

Bp. Robert Morlino of Madison: "With the priests, deacons, consecrated women and men, and all our faithful people I express our gratitude to our Holy Father for the appointment of the Most Rev. David A. Zubik, up to now Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay.

"Bp. Zubik brings with him a wide range of wisdom and experience arising from his pastoral responsibilities at both the diocesan and parish levels.

"I very much look forward to his presence and the contributions that he will make as we carry out the work of the new evangelization here in the State of Wisconsin at the beginning of this third millennium. God grant Bp. Zubik health, long life, and many happy and blessed years!"

John Huebscher, executive director of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference: "By all accounts he'll be an excellent fit for Wisconsin. His work in Pittsburgh has made him well aware of state Catholic conferences and he comes well equipped for working with the Wisconsin Catholic Conference."(WCC is the civil arm of the state's five diocesan bishops, who comprise its board.)

Peggy Hamill, state director of Pro-Life Wisconsin: "Pro-Life Wisconsin is greatly encouraged by Pope John Paul's appointment of Bp. David A. Zubik as Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay.... Speaking highly of Bp. Zubik's work, Susan rauscher, secretary for Pastoral and Social concerns of the Pittsburgh Diocese, told Pro-Life Wisconsin that Bp. Zubik has been a regular participant in the January March and Mass for Life held in Washington, D.C. Bp. Zubik has established a reputation as a true disciple of Christ's Gospel of Life. The pro-life movement in Wisconsin will be bolstered with the arrival of Bp. Zubik to our state. We look forward to working with Bp. Zubik."