Praying for a bishop for the Diocese of Knoxville

Archbishop Shelton Fabre, apostolic administrator, has issued a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville, asking that they begin praying for the future shepherd of the diocese.

"The choice of the Twelve Apostles by Christ after a night of prayer (cf. Luke 6:12) is a mystery that continues to unfold in the life of the Church with the appointment of bishops as their successors.

"Truly, the selection of a bishop is as important today as was the choice of the Twelve for Jesus. And at this particular time within the Diocese of Knoxville, we too, as members of Christ's, Mystical Body, are called to participate in His prayer in asking the Heavenly Father, through the Holy Spirit, to 'appoint' a new shepherd after the heart of His Son, the eternal Shepherd."

Archbishop Fabre also asks that Masses celebrated this weekend, Sept. 9-10, 2023, be celebrated for the appointment of a bishop. The Diocese of Knoxville will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Sept. 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

You can read his full letter below:

Letter to the Faithful - English
Carta a las fieles - Español 

You can find a prayer for a new bishop in English and Spanish here.