Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael McGovern to lead the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska. McGovern, previously the Bishop of Belleville, Illinois, will succeed Archbishop George Lucas, who has retired after reaching the retirement age. The installation of McGovern as the sixth archbishop of Omaha is scheduled for May 7. Archbishop McGovern expressed his gratitude and looks forward to serving in Omaha.
3 months ago
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael McGovern of Belleville, Illinois, as the new Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska 1 2. The appointment follows the acceptance of the resignation of Archbishop George Lucas, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 in June 2024 1 2. Archbishop Lucas served as the shepherd of the Omaha Archdiocese since 2009 1. The installation of Archbishop-designate McGovern is scheduled for May 7 at the Cathedral of St. Cecilia 1. Until then, Archbishop Lucas will serve as apostolic administrator 2.
Michael George McGovern was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and grew up in Chicago 2. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1994 1 2. Before entering the seminary, he worked for four years 2. McGovern served in various roles in Chicago, including associate pastor and pastor 2. In 2020, he was appointed Bishop of Belleville 1. As Bishop of Belleville, McGovern made the decision to sell the historic bishop's residence and use the proceeds to support a diocesan maternity fund and other ministries 1 2. He is also the state chaplain for the Illinois Knights of Columbus and serves on the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on Health Care Issues 2.
The Archdiocese of Omaha covers a vast territory of 14,000 square miles in northeast Nebraska 2. It encompasses 23 counties with a Catholic population of over 230,000 out of a total population of approximately 1.04 million 2. The Archdiocese has a strong reputation for supporting Catholic education, including parochial schools, high schools, and two Catholic universities 2.
What are the roles and responsibilities of bishops?
Bishops, as successors to the Apostles, hold a vital position in the Catholic Church, with their roles and responsibilities being divinely instituted . They are entrusted with the care of the Church, which was purchased at the cost of Christ's blood . Their primary duties encompass teaching, sanctifying, and governing . These functions are interconnected dimensions of service and mission .
Bishops are authentic teachers of the apostolic faith, possessing the authority of Christ . They have the duty to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and authoritatively to all . As guardians and interpreters of the Word of God, bishops make authoritative judgments on what aligns with it . They confirm moral teaching, clarify moral approaches to new questions, and identify misunderstandings, assisted by theologians, academics, and lay Christians .
Bishops are responsible for celebrating divine worship, especially the Eucharist . Through the laying on of hands, the office of sanctifying is conferred upon them . Their ministry of sanctifying must be effective, and their lives must be irreproachable as they strive for holiness .
Each bishop governs the particular Church entrusted to him with his own sacred power . This authority is ordinary and immediate, exercised in the name of Christ, the Good Shepherd, in communion with the entire Church and under the guidance of the Successor of Peter . Bishops bear collegially the care for all particular Churches and the entire Church with the other bishops united to the Pope . They are the visible source and foundation of unity in their own particular Churches .
Bishops also share in the responsibility for all the Churches, with and under the Pope . They must foster and safeguard the unity of faith and uphold the discipline common to the whole Church . Their role is to represent their Church and, in union with the Pope, represent the Church universal in the bonds of peace, love, unity, and truth .
In summary, bishops are successors to the apostles, entrusted with teaching, sanctifying, and governing the Church. They proclaim the Gospel, celebrate divine worship, and lead their Churches in communion with the Pope and the universal Church. Their responsibilities extend to ensuring the unity of faith and representing the Church in truth and love.