| Saying the Church of Atlanta "needs a shepherd who is physically,
spiritually and psychologically healthy," Archbishop Eugene A. Marino,
SSJ, submitted his resignation to Pope John Paul II as archbishop of Atlanta.
The pope accepted the archbishop's resignation and appointed Bishop James P.
Lyke, OFM, auxiliary bishop of Cleveland, as apostolic administrator of the
archdiocese. Both decisions were announced July 10.
The same day a statement by Archbishop Marino to the people of the
archdiocese was released. The full text follows:
"It has been two years since my appointment as Archbishop of Atlanta.
Since that time, I have been received by you with great welcome and affection,
for which I am most grateful. Now, however, I need an extended period of
spiritual renewal, psychological therapy and medical supervision.
"The Church of Atlanta needs a shepherd who is physically, spiritually
and psychologically healthy. Therefore, after a lengthy period of prayer and
consultation, I have decided to resign as your Archbishop. I genuinely believe
that this painful decision, which is entirely of my own choice, is in the best
interest of the Church in Atlanta and of my own spiritual and psychological
well-being. It is my hope that I may, in God's good time, be able to devote all
my energies to the service of the Church in some less demanding capacity.
"My resignation will allow the Holy See to appoint a new bishop for the
Archdiocese. I pray you give him the same generous cooperation and filial
affection you lavished on me. I deeply regret that my time of service to the
Church in Atlanta could not have been longer, and I apologize for any
disappointment and inconvenience that my decision causes for the work of the
Church or for you personally.
"Please pray that our merciful Father will give me that healing which I
need and which He alone can give. Please know that you are always in my
thoughts and that you have a special place in my daily prayers.
"May Jesus Christ, the King, always reign in your lives and
may His Mother Mary keep each of you close to her Immaculate Heart."
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