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Worcester Bishop To Oversee Springfield Diocese Temporarily

Diocese of Worcester Bishop Robert McManus.
Diocese of Springfield
Diocese of Worcester Bishop Robert McManus, who Tuesday was apointed to oversee the Springfield Diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Worcester Bishop Robert McManus will oversee the Springfield, Massachusetts, Roman Catholic Diocese until a new bishop is named.

Mitchell Rozanski left western Massachusetts to become Archbishop of St. Louis. McManus will be the administrator for the Springfield diocese, in addition to his duties in Worcester.

McManus said he can't make big changes, but he said he will encourage parish priests "to really try to work diligently to set a good example for what it means to be a priest, and really invite young men, especially young men involved in their parishes — to invite them to consider the priesthood as a vocational option." 

McManus found himself at the center of controversy last year.

The Worcester Telegram and Gazette reported officials at the College of the Holy Cross called comments the bishop made about transgender identity "hurtful" and "offensive."

The newspaper also reported in 2013 that McManus was charged with drunk driving and other offenses in Rhode Island — some of which were later dropped. 

McManus, 69, is a native of Providence. He's been bishop in Worcester since 2004. He said it could take several more months, perhaps up to a year, before the Vatican appoints a new, permanent bishop for the Springfield diocese. 

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