Statement by Archbishop John C. Nienstedt on the
appointment of the fourth bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm

During this past year, I have come to know Father John LeVoir, now Bishop-designate of New Ulm, as a dedicated pastor of two of the finest parishes in the Archdiocese. He is a priest of deep devotion to Christ and the teachings of His Church. He is also a skilled administrator, having a solid background in the areas of accounting and finance. He has served as a mentor for many of our younger priests. But overall, it is his love for souls - the people entrusted to his pastoral care - that marks the goodness of this man.

Having served as the Bishop of New Ulm for six and a half years, I have already assured the new bishop that he is about to shepherd a diocese of good and faith-filled people. I believe that the Holy Father has made an “excellent” match in appointing Bishop-designate LeVoir to this very rural, local Church. My prayers and best wishes go with him as he begins this major transition in his life. I ask the beloved priests, religious, and laity of the New Ulm diocese to welcome their new shepherd with open minds and hearts and to support him with their prayers.