Rev.
Msgr. Michael G. Duca, HTS Rector, named
Bishop-elect
for Diocese of
Shreveport: Ordination and Installation scheduled for May 19, 2008
This morning, Pope Benedict named Msgr Michael Duca, the longtime
rector of Dallas' Holy Trinity Seminary, as bishop of Shreveport in
Louisiana.
A former diocesan vocations director, chaplain at Dallas' Southern
Methodist University and Angelicum-trained canonist, the Bishop-elect,
55, succeeds Bishop William Friend, who retired as head of the
40,000-member diocese in December 2006.
One of Duca's
predecessors as rector of Holy Trinity, Fr. Michael J. Sheehan, was
named bishop of Lubbock and, later, archbishop of Santa Fe.
Described on "whispers in the loggia" this morning, as "honest, earthy, funny, generous -- and just plain
good," today's appointee is
highly regarded by the locals, including his confreres-to-be; a bishop
close to the region lauded the appointee as "a truly wonderful guy"
and, were he ever allowed to have his pick, his "far and away first
choice" to join the high-hat ranks.
Msgr.
Duca, shown at right with his parents, Lewis and Aline Duca in 1996
during the 35th Anniversary Celebrations at Holy Trinity Seminary,
grew up in St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Dallas, Texas. He was Ordained
in 1978 and has served as rector of Holy Trinity Seminary since 1996.
In accordance with the provisions of canon law, Bishop-elect Duca must be ordained and installed in his new charge within four months of this morning's appointment. The installation is currently scheduled for May 19, 2008, in Shreveport, LA. He succeeds Bishop William Friend who retired in 2006.
Until Duca's installation, Msgr. Earl Provenza will continue to run the diocese. Duca is the second bishop of the diocese, which oversees Catholic churches in Northwest Louisiana.
From "Whispers in the Loggia" blog this morning. . .
Bishop-elect Duca said “I am humbled and honored by the Pope’s decision to appoint me as Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport. It is an incredible blessing that I look forward to, but not without some mixed emotions. My 30 years as a priest in the Diocese of Dallas have been a very enriching experience. The opportunity to serve in parishes and to work with the future priests of our diocese as rector of Holy Trinity Seminary has helped me to grow as a minister and person.”
The Most Reverend Kevin J. Farrell, Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, issued words of support stating “I am delighted and thrilled for Bishop-elect Duca. The diocese has benefited from his ministry, his leadership and his many other talents. I will miss his support here but I am pleased the Diocese of Shreveport is getting such a strong and capable spiritual leader. We will pray for his success and happiness.”
Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, Rev. Msgr. Michael G. Duca, Rev. Msgr.
Charles W. Elmer, serving at St. Mary's Seminary, Houston, and Rev.
Msgr. Charles B. King, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in
Denton, Texas.
(at
left) Most Reverend Charles Grahmann with the new Reverend Monsignor
Duca, fall 2005.
(above right) Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas, home to 28
seminarians studying for the priesthood. (below) Bishop Grahmann with
Fr. Duca after the Chapel Closing Ceremonies, June 22, 2004, prior to
the HTS Chapel Renovations.
Michael G. Duca attended Holy Trinity Seminary (shown at left during
his years of discernment and study at HTS) and was ordained in 1978.
