It was with a sense of pride and joy that I learned of the appointment of Reverend Monsignor Michael J. Bransfield, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia. I offer Bishop-elect Bransfield my wholehearted congratulations and best wishes and fraternal and prayerful support.

The Holy Father has shown confidence in Bishop-elect Bransfield's ability to shepherd the people of this diocese. As Rector of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Bishop-elect Bransfield has shown that he is a dedicated and loyal servant of Jesus Christ. I am confident he will undertake the spiritual and pastoral care of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston with the same commitment and zeal. The faithful of Wheeling-Charleston are blessed to have him as their Bishop and I am certain that they will extend a warm welcome to their new spiritual leader and assist him in any way possible.

I give thanks to God that the Holy Father has chosen a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for this office. I know that my brother priests of Philadelphia, as well as the religious and faithful, join with me in offering support and prayers for Bishop-elect Bransfield. His appointment brings honor to the Archdiocese and I pray that his time of service in Wheeling-Charleston will bear much fruit in the name of our Lord Jesus and His Church.

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