MJS: Pope appoints Hying as new Milwaukee auxiliary bishop

Father Don Hying, rector of St. Francis de Sales Seminary since 2007, has been named by Pope Benedict XVI as the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's new auxiliary bishop, the archdiocese said Thursday.

He succeeds Bishop Richard Sklba, who retired last year.

Hying, a West Allis native, will be ordained a bishop and installed by Archbishop Jerome Listecki on July 20 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.

"This is a proud moment for the church in southeastern Wisconsin," Listecki said in the statement announcing the appointment. "Pope Benedict XVI has gifted us with a true servant-leader."

As auxiliary bishop, Hying will assist Listecki in the pastoral and spiritual leadership of the diocese.

Hying downplayed his appointment, saying, "As the saying goes, 'God does not always call the most qualified, but he qualifies those he has called.' I am both deeply humbled and honored to be appointed by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI."

Bishop-elect Hying was ordained to the priesthood in 1989 by then-Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland. He had served as a parish priest and administrator, including three years in the Dominican Republic, before becoming dean of formation at St. Francis De Sales, the archdiocese's seminary in 2005.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Marquette University and earned his masters of divinity from St. Francis De Sales.  

Watch JSOnline.com and read Friday's Journal Sentinel for the latest developments on this report.

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