FRANCIS
BISHOP
SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD

To our venerable brother, Robert Peter Deeley, until now Auxiliary Bishop of Boston and Titular Bishop of Kearney, at this time appointed Bishop of Portland, greetings and Apostolic Blessing.

So that His disciples might live the truth in love, the Lord Jesus enriched the Church with a wide diversity of ministries, among which is regarded of singular importance the apostolate of Bishops through which the People of God are sanctified, governed, and taught (Confer Christus Dominus, 2). For this reason, it is not without great care that We direct our attention to the State of Maine, which is named “The Pine Tree State” and which comprises the Diocese of Portland, currently a vacant See, owing to the transfer of its previous Shepherd, Richard Joseph Malone to the Church in Buffalo. Indeed, in our judgment, you, Venerable Brother, are clearly endowed with the virtues and qualities of character which render you capable of undertaking this important responsibility.

Therefore, upon consultation with the Congregation for Bishops, by virtue of the fullness of Our Apostolic authority, by this Letter, We release you from the bond of the Titular Church of Kearney and the Office of Auxiliary of Boston and We name and We appoint you Bishop of Portland. You will, accordingly, duly inform the clergy and the people of your Diocese about your appointment and We, in turn, exhort them not only to honor you with heartfelt filial devotion but also to comply with the just instructions, which you will have given in your zealous ministry.

In the meantime, Venerable Brother, it is Our earnest desire that, aware of the important Office being entrusted to you, you always raise your eyes to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin, through whose intercession We know for sure that you will greatly devote yourself to the spiritual edification and well-being of your Flock. For she, who is the Patroness not only of the nation but also of your Diocese, will bring you assistance. For now, we accompany you in your weighty episcopal Office, sustaining you by Our prayers, so that your new ministry on behalf of Christ and His Church may attain as fruitful an outcome as possible.

Given at Rome, at St. Peter’s, on the eighteenth day of the month of December, in the year of the Lord two thousand thirteen, the first of Our Pontificate.

FRANCIS

Francesco Bruno,
Pronotary Apostolic