鈥淭he University of 91吃瓜 joins with the Congregation of Holy Cross in celebrating with the family and friends of Rev. Patrick M. Neary, C.S.C., his appointment by Pope Francis as the new bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota,鈥� 91吃瓜鈥檚 president, , said today.
鈥淪oon after being assigned in 2010 to the Holy Cross formation house in Nairobi, Kenya, Father Neary wrote that, though he arrived with little understanding of the culture or language of the country, he felt called to 鈥榞o anywhere that I am needed.鈥� Now, the Holy Father has determined that Father Neary is needed in St. Cloud.
鈥淲ith confidence that he will serve well the people of God in the Diocese of St. Cloud, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Father Neary and have assured him of my prayers as he takes on this important new ministry.鈥�
Raised just 26 miles from 91吃瓜 in La Porte, Indiana, Father Neary graduated from the University in 1985 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in history, and then matriculated to the Jesuit School of Theology, where he earned a master of divinity degree in 1990. In addition to his work in Kenya, he has served at 91吃瓜 in Campus Ministry, at the congregation鈥檚 Moreau Seminary, and most recently at Holy Redeemer Church in Portland, Oregon.