Msgr Herbert A Bevard of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been appointed the new bishop for the diocese of St Thomas and St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

News of the appointment was formally announced Monday, July 7 by the Vatican; the Monday announcement was a surprise as most appointments to the United States episcopacy are announced on Tuesdays. 

Bishop-elect Herbert Bevard (left) with diocesan administrator Msgr Michael Kosak

The Catholic community in the USVI has been awaiting word of a new bishop for 16 months since Bishop George Murry was appointed to the diocese of Youngstown, Ohio in March 2007.

In a public statement, Bishop-elect Bevard said he was grateful to Msgr Michael Kosak “who has so ably served as diocesan administrator since Bishop Murry's transfer to the Diocese of Youngstown in 2007.  His care for the priests and people of the diocese of St Thomas is known by all the faithful”. 

The episcopal ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Bevard will take place on Wednesday, September 3 at 11 a.m. at Ss Peter and Paul Cathedral, St Thomas. Metropolitan Archbishop Donald W Wuerl will preside.

Bishop-elect Bevard was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 24, 1946. In June 1964 he converted to Catholicism and in September 1966 he entered St Charles Borromeo Seminary – Overbrook in Wynnewood, PA where he received his BA and MDiv.  He was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1972 by Cardinal John Krol in the Cathedral of Ss Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. 

Since his ordination, Bishop-elect Bevard’s pastoral assignments have included serving as assistant pastor in various parishes. He is currently the pastor of St. Athanasius in Philadelphia’s North Vicariate.  On June 18, 2007 he was named Vicar of Philadelphia North by Cardinal Justin Rigali. 

Bishop-elect Bevard is a member of several Catholic organisations and serves on many boards and commissions in the Philadelphia archdiocese. He has also served as the Newman chaplain at Pennsylvania State University from 1972 – 1973 and at Widener University from 1973 – 1978.  He was an advocate in the Office of the Metropolitan Tribunal.