September 3, 2024
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am writing to share some important news with you. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has graciously accepted my letter of resignation, which I submitted on the occasion of my 75th birthday on June 19, 2024, in accordance with the norms of the Church. I am deeply grateful to Pope Francis for his acceptance of my resignation. At the same time, the Holy Father has now appointed Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne as the Apostolic Administrator of our diocese.
As I now transition to the role of Bishop Emeritus of Norwich, I want to express what a profound honor and joy it has been to serve as your bishop for over two decades. Leading the Diocese of Norwich, walking with you in faith, and ministering alongside so many dedicated clergy, ministry directors, and parishioners has been a true blessing in my life, one that I will always hold dear.
Though I will no longer be at the helm of the diocese, I pledge my full support and assistance to Archbishop Coyne during this period of transition. I also commit to keeping all of you in my prayers, as well as praying for whoever may be appointed as my successor. The future of our diocese is in God’s hands, and we can trust in His providence.
Let us, as a diocesan family, unite in prayer for Archbishop Coyne and for the one who will eventually serve as our next Bishop of Norwich. May the Holy Spirit guide them, and may our diocese continue to shine as a beacon of faith, hope, and love in the world.
Please know that I will be praying for each of you, and I humbly ask that you hold me in your prayers as well.
With every good wish and prayerful blessing, I remain
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Emeritus of Norwich
Editors note:
This temporary appointment is in addition to Archbishop Coyne’s primary responsibilities as the Archbishop of Hartford and will allow continuity in leadership for Catholics in Middlesex, New London, Windham, and Tolland counties, and Fishers Island, New York.
Archbishop Coyne had this to say,
“I am grateful to our Holy Father for this opportunity to steward our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Norwich while we await the appointment of their next bishop,” said Archbishop Coyne on learning of his new appointment. “I also wish to convey my very best wishes in retirement for Bishop Cote, who lovingly shepherded the faithful of Norwich for 21 years.”