There's a New Sheriff in Town

Actually, there is a new Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
This morning it was announced that Papa Francesco has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Jerome Hanus OSB & has appointed Bishop Michael Jackels of the Diocese of Wichita as his successor. He will be the 12th Bishop & 10th Archbishop of the DBQ Archdiocese.

Archbishop Hanus submitted his resignation last year due to health reasons. He was appointed co-adjutor Archbishop in 1994 & became the head of the Archdiocese in 1995 when Archbishop Daniel Kucera resigned, also for health reasons.
Of course, as soon as I found out, I began to see what I could find out about Archbishop-elect Jackels. Naturally, I went to the Wichita Diocesan website. I liked what I saw.
He has issued several statements for the year of faith. One of those statements was aimed at encouraging every Catholic to participate in Eucharistic adoration. In it he encouraged perpetual adoration as well as making visits to the Eucharist in the tabernacle.
Another statement called for Scripture study, studying the Catechism, deepening of a persons prayer life & confession at least once a month. In another he encouraged the faithful to service of their neighbors. In another he focused on praying for the souls in purgatory.
Wichita is the site of the recently opened South Wind Women's Center. This was formerly the site of Tiller's abortion clinic. The new owners will be offering abortions as well. Beginning 4 May the monthly 1st Saturday rosary will resume in front of the clinic.
Archbishop-elect Jackels is very active in the Pro-life movement. Each year he accompanies the students who go to the Annual March to Life, riding in the buses with them. He has also prayed in front of abortion clinics. He has spoken out against those politicians who claim it OK to be Catholic & still support abortion, calling them "wrong". He has spoken out in support of organizations like Project Rachel that provide post-abortion healing as well as reminding women that they can receive forgiveness through the Sacrament of Confession.
He has been outspoken against so-called "same-sex marriage", which is anything but marriage. Additionally, he has been critical of the HHS mandate & its attack on the religious freedom. With his fellow Kansas Bishops in issuing a pastoral letter opposing embryonic stem cell research.
The diocese currently has about 48 seminarians, one of the highest per capita numbers of any US diocese.
Marian Bourek, executive director of DBQ Co Right to Life is especially excited about Archbishop-elect Jackels appointment. She has known him since her school days & her family is friends with him. She confirmed his commitment to the Pro-life movement.
Archbishop-elect Jackels was born 13 April 1954 in Rapids City, SD. Because he was in a military family he spent time in Spain, Wyoming & California before ending up in Nebraska.
He attended Mt. Saint Mary's Semenary in Emmitsburg, MD. He was ordained a priest in 1981. Among his various duties & assignments, he was the chaplain for the School Sisters of Christ the King. (Note: The School Sisters are faithful to the Magesterium & the Holy Father & are a member of the Counsel of Major Superiors of Women Religious.)
From 1997 to 2005 he worked under then Cardinal Ratzinger at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In 2005 he was the of the last American Bishops appointed by Blessed Pope John Paul II. Only 2 were appointed after him. He was told of his appointment by Cardinal Ratzinger. He was ordained a Bishop on 4 April 2005.
Archbishop-elect Jackels will remain as apostolic administrator of the Wichita diocese until his installation as Archbishop of DBQ on 30 May 2013. Until then, Archbishop Hanus will be the apostolic administrator of the DBQ archdiocese. After the installation Archbishop Hanus plans to resume life as a monk in Missouri.
I want to voice my welcome of Archbishop-elect Jackels to the Archdiocese of DBQ. I am excited to have him as our new shepherd & promise him my prayful support of his ministry.
May God bless Archbishop Hanus as he returns to monastery life.

Sources: Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
Archdiocese of Dubuque website
Diocese of Wichita website