June 5, 2019, regarding the investigation of retired                     Bishop Michael J. Bransfield  https://dwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Letter-to-the-Faithful-6-5-19.pdf

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the blessings You have bestowed upon the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston.

In the power of your Holy Spirit
You have imparted an abundance of spiritual blessings and gifts so that the Name of Jesus and his Gospel would be proclaimed in every mountain and valley and in every city and village of the great State of West VIrginia.

Through the Sacraments, the abiding presence of your Son lives in our midst, healing and transforming our souls, creating in our midst missionary disciples, strenghtening our families, rasing up vocations, making us advocates and servants of the poor and vulnerable.

Forgive our sins and failings and for anything we have done or failed to do to advance the mission of evangelization entrusted to us by the Good Shepherd.

Now, as we await the appointment and arrival of a new bishop, we turn to You in heartfelt prayer.

In your goodness, send us a shepherd who will love and care for this local Church and tend the flock of God after the mind and heart of your Son, Jesus.

May he be an ardetnt yet gentle herald of the Gospel, a priest and bishop filled with missionary zeal and pastoral love, whose heart is centered upon the Eucharist and love for the poor.

May he guide and serve the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston with love, humility and justice
and lead many souls to holiness and eternal life.

Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.