It is a great joy for me to hear of the papal appointment of Bishop Raymond L. Burke as the ninth bishop and eighth archbishop of St. Louis. The faithful of St. Louis are blessed to be given Bishop Burke as their new Archbishop. Bishop Burke has faithfully served the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin for nine years and has been a true apostle of the Catholic faith and loyal servant of Jesus Christ. I am confident that he will bring that same prayerful dedication and pastoral care to the wonderful people of the Archdiocese of St. Louis who remain close to my heart.

I express my heartfelt joy and deep gratitude to Pope John Paul II for choosing such a devoted pastor. Archbishop-elect Burke's pastoral service in Rome and in La Crosse will greatly benefit the mission of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. I know that he will be welcomed with open arms by the people of St. Louis. As Archbishop-elect Burke prepares to leave his home state, I wish him well in his new service as shepherd of the Catholic faithful of St. Louis.

I greet Archbishop-elect Burke in my own name and that of all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and I offer him the assurance of our prayerful support.

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Catherine L. Rossi
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