Charlotte Ordains New Bishop For The First Time In 20 Years

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Franciscan priest Father Michael Martin was ordained a bishop on Wednesday to lead the Diocese of Charlotte.

In a historic ceremony that drew over 1,500 attendees, including several bishops and a cardinal, Father Michael Martin was ordained as the new bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte. The diocese, which spans 46 counties in the western half of North Carolina, has not seen the ordination of a new bishop in 20 years, following the retirement of longtime Bishop Peter Jugis in April.

The three-hour long ordination took place at St. Mark Catholic Church, with Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer presiding over the ceremony. Cardinal Christophe Pierre read a letter from Pope Francis appointing Martin as a bishop, to which Bishop Martin responded to the crowd, “I’m yours now.”

Bishop Martin, 62, comes with a background in Catholic education, having served as a teacher, coach, and school administrator in various locations, and most recently as a parish priest outside Atlanta. He is a priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, and is set to oversee the diocese’s 92 churches, 20 schools, and 50 ministries, which serve a diverse Catholic population, with more than half of Hispanic origin.

Longtime Bishop Jugis Steps Down After 20 Years of Service

Bishop Jugis, who is 67 years old, has served as bishop of the diocese for the past 20 years and has been a priest in the diocese for 40 years. With Martin taking on the role of bishop, Jugis will now serve as bishop emeritus, looking back on his four decades of service and contributions to the diocese.

Growth and Diversity in the Diocese of Charlotte

Bishop Martin steps into his new role at a time of unprecedented growth across the Diocese of Charlotte, which is now home to 530,000 Catholics. The diocese has seen an increase in its Catholic population, with a significant portion being of Hispanic origin.

With 92 churches, 20 schools, and over 50 ministries under his oversight, Bishop Martin is looking forward to continuing to build the Kingdom alongside the community. In his address to the congregation, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and invoked the blessings of the Holy Spirit to guide their path forward.

Significance of the Ordination

The ordination of Bishop Martin marks a significant moment for the Catholic community in western North Carolina, as they welcome a new leader after two decades. The ceremony, filled with music, tradition, and the presence of esteemed clergy, symbolizes a new chapter in the diocese’s journey.

As Bishop Martin takes on this important role, the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte are filled with hope and anticipation for the future under his leadership.