ORLANDO (CBS4) – A South Florida auxiliary bishop was named by Pope Benedict XVI Saturday as the new Bishop of the Orlando diocese, the 5th person to hold that position since the the diocese was formed.
Auxiliary Bishop John Noonan, described on the Archdiocese of Miami’s website as “a priest’s priest”, has served as auxiliary bishop since 2005. He has been a member of the priesthood since 1983, when he was ordained in the Archdiocese of Miami.
“I look forward to learning from you, the people, about this great Diocese of Orlando. I have much to learn and see over the next few months. I also look forward to working with the many fine priests, religious priests and sisters of the diocese,” the new bishop said in a statement Saturday.
A native of Ireland, he attended seminary in Miami and earned a master’s degree in divinity from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He also has a master’s degree in education from Boston College.
Although his appointment is effective immediately, Noonan’s official installation Mass as leader of the diocese will be December 16th.
Noonan has served mostly as a parish priest across South Florida, and was supervising principal at 2 Catholic high schools. He also held a number of administrative roles.
When he is installed as Bishop, Noonan will serve as spiritual leader for approximately half a million Catholics in the diocese.
