NORWICH, Conn. — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., as Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich.
Cote submitted his resignation when he turned 75 years old on June 19 following the tradition of the Canon Law of the Church. Roman Catholic diocese bishops are required to file for retirement upon reaching age 75.
The Diocese of Norwich made the announcement on Tuesday that Pope Francis accepted Cote’s resignation. According to the diocese, Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, of the Archdiocese of Hartford, has been appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich.
Cote will now transition to the role of Bishop Emeritus after 21 years shepherding the Diocese of Norwich. The diocese shared a statement from Cote.
“It has been a profound honor and joy to serve as your bishop for over two decades,” Cote said. “Walking with you in faith and ministering alongside so many dedicated clergy, ministry directors and parishioners has been a true blessing in my life, one that I will always hold dear.”
According to the Dicoese of Norwich, Cote pledged his full support and assistance to Coyne during the period of transition and is committed to keeping the faithful of the diocese in his prayers. Cote has also called upon the entire diocesan family to pray for Coyne and for the next Bishop of Norwich, who will be appointed in due time, according to the diocese.
Cote was born on June 19, 1949, in Sanford, Maine and was ordained as a priest on June 29, 1975, by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the diocese says. He earned a Licentiate of Canon Law from the Catholic University of America.
In 1995, Cote was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Portland, Maine, and was appointed as the fifth bishop of Norwich on March 11, 2003, before being installed on May 14, 2003, succeeding Bishop Daniel A. Hart. More information is available from the diocese here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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