Statement from Archbishop Michael McGovern on appointment of Bishop-elect Godfrey Mullen OSB

“Each day I thank God for the ministry of Pope Leo XIV, who today has appointed Father Godfrey Mullen, OSB, as the Tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville.

Father Godfrey, a priest and Benedictine monk of St. Meinrad Archabbey, is a native son of the Belleville diocese. Since I departed from Belleville to become Archbishop of Omaha last May, Father Godfrey has served as Administrator of the diocese while continuing as Rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter. Father Godfrey’s years of priestly ministry, prayerfulness, compassion, intelligence and humor will be great assets as he shepherds the people of southern Illinois into the future, a future filled with hope.

I ask you to join me in praying God’s abundant blessings upon Bishop-elect Godfrey Mullen and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Belleville.”