Richard E. Barnes, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, made the following statement today following the announcement that Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Father Terry R. LaValley, diocesan administrator, as the 14th Bishop of Ogdensburg:

“On behalf of the entire Conference staff, I offer my warmest congratulations to Bishop-designate LaValley. It is indeed a great blessing that the Holy Father has chosen a native son to head this diocese. I have known Bishop-designate LaValley for many years, and I have always been struck by his keen intellect, his pastoral nature and his love of the North Country and its people. He will be a marvelous shepherd for the Catholic faithful in Ogdensburg. We rejoice at this appointment.”

The Catholic Conference represents New York State’s Bishops in matters of public policy.