…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Neil Tiedemann
Bishop Neil Tiedemann’s Resignation
Pope Francis has approved the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Neil Tiedemann of Brooklyn, who recently reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 for bishops.
Bishop Tiedemann served in the diocese since 2016, having been appointed to the position by Pope Benedict XVI.
His resignation marks the end of his active ecclesiastical service.
Bishop Tiedemann’s Service and Acknowledgment
In response to Bishop Tiedemann’s resignation, Bishop Robert Brennan of Brooklyn expressed gratitude for his many years of dedicated service.
Bishop Tiedemann’s extensive experience and knowledge have greatly enriched the local Church and its people.
Prior to his time in Brooklyn, Bishop Tiedemann served as the bishop of Mandeville, Jamaica, for eight years, having been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI.
Bishop Tiedemann’s Background and Ministry
As a member of the Passionists, Bishop Tiedemann was ordained a priest in the Brooklyn Diocese in 1975.
He served in various parishes, including Immaculate Conception Parish in Jamaica, Queens, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Union City, New Jersey, as well as Blessed Sacrament in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Notably, during his ministry in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, he played a role in establishing an AIDS hospice called Casa Pasionista.
In addition, he served at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn from 1998 to 2005, a place with personal significance as it was where his ancestors were married.
Reflections on Bishop Tiedemann’s Priesthood
In a statement released by the diocese, Bishop Tiedemann expressed his gratitude for the blessings he has received throughout his priesthood.
He acknowledged the kindness, support, and encouragement he received from Bishops Nicholas DiMarzio and Robert Brennan.
With 21 years of his 48-year priesthood spent in the Brooklyn Diocese, Bishop Tiedemann expressed his thankfulness for the friendship and companionship of his fellow priests.
Above all, he expressed deep appreciation for the wonderful people of the diocese, who have played a significant role in shaping his life as a priest, serving as a source of encouragement, strength, and a representation of God’s presence.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Service and Gratitude
Bishop Neil Tiedemann’s resignation marks the conclusion of a long and dedicated period of service to the Church.
His diverse experiences and contributions have left a lasting impact on the communities he has served.
As he enters a new chapter in his life, Bishop Tiedemann expresses gratitude for the blessings, support, and the invaluable role the people of the diocese have played in his journey as a priest.
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