Michael Jude Byrnes (born August 23, 1958) is an American prelate of the Catholic Church who served as Archbishop of Agaña from 2019 to 2023. He was an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Detroit from 2011 to 2016.


Michael Jude Byrnes
Archbishop emeritus of Agaña
Archbishop Byrnes in 2016
ArchdioceseRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Agaña
AppointedOctober 31, 2016
InstalledApril 4, 2019
RetiredMarch 28, 2023
PredecessorAnthony Sablan Apuron
SuccessorRyan Jimenez
Previous post(s)
Orders
OrdinationMay 25, 1996
by Adam Maida
ConsecrationMay 5, 2011
by Allen Henry Vigneron, John Clayton Nienstedt, and John M. Quinn
Personal details
Born (1958-08-23) August 23, 1958 (age 66)
MottoCaritas Christi urget nos
"The love of Christ compels us"
Styles of
Michael Jude Byrnes
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Religious styleArchbishop

Biography

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Early life

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Born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 23, 1958, Michael Ryan graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School.[1]

Byrnes was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Adam Maida at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit on May 25, 1996, for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Beginning in 2004, he served as vice rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit as well as a parish pastor.[2]

Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit

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Coat of Arms as Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit

On March 22, 2011, Byrnes was appointed titular bishop of Eguga and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit.[3] He was consecrated by Archbishop Allen Henry Vigneron at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on May 5, 2011. His co-consecrators were Archbishop John Nienstedt and Bishop John Quinn.[4][1]

Coadjutor Archbishop and Archbishop of Agaña

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On October 31, 2016, Byrnes was appointed by Pope Francis as coadjutor archbishop with special faculties of the Archdiocese of Agaña.[5] He was installed as coadjutor archbishop on November 30.[6]

Although Archbishop Anthony Apuron of Agaña was found guilty on charges of the sexual abuse of minors by an Apostolic Tribunal of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on March 16, 2018, he was only suspended from the exercise of his authority over the archdiocese and retained his title pending the outcome of his appeals. Byrnes succeeded to the position of archbishop in everything except title at that time.[7]

Byrnes became archbishop of Agaña on April 4, 2019,[8] when Apuron lost his title, having exhausted his appeals.[9][10] On April 6, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that Byrnes had succeeded to the office of archbishop at the conclusion of judicial proceedings against Apuron.[11][12]

Retirement

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On March 28, 2023, Pope Francis accepted Byrnes' resignation as archbishop of Agaña for medical reasons. Byrnes had left Guam in June 2022 and been on medical leave for several months.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  2. ^ Kohn, Joe (March 24, 2011). "Abp. Vigneron: Detroit's two auxiliary bishops a 'great blessing'". The Michigan Catholic. Archived from the original on November 3, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. ^ "Rinunce e Nomine, 22.03.2011" (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. March 22, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  4. ^ "Archbishop Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D." Archdiocese of Agaña. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  5. ^ Glatz, Carol (November 1, 2016). "Pope sends Detroit bishop to Guam archdiocese hit by abuse allegations". National Catholic Reporter. Catholic News Service. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  6. ^ Eugenio, Haidee V. (November 30, 2016). "Archbishop Byrnes to Guam: 'I belong to you, I'm one of yours'". Pacific Daily News. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  7. ^ "Apostolic Tribunal of CDF Finds Guam Archbishop Guilty". Zenit. March 16, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  8. ^ Glatz, Carol (April 4, 2019). "Rejecting appeal, Vatican hands down final ruling against Guam bishop". Crux. Catholic News Service. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  9. ^ "Comunicato della Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede, 04.04.2019" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  10. ^ "After Guam archbishop removed for 'horrible' sex abuse, Catholics pledge reform". Catholic News Agency. April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  11. ^ "Resignations and Appointments, 06.04.2019" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  12. ^ "New Guam archbishop after predecessor's sex abuse verdict". Washington Post. Associated Press. April 6, 2019. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  13. ^ Brockhaus, Hanna (March 28, 2023). "Guam Archbishop Michael J. Byrnes steps down for medical reasons". Catholic World Report. Catholic News Agency. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
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Religious titles
Preceded by
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Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
May 5, 2011–October 31, 2016
Succeeded by
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Preceded by
Coadjutor archbishop of Agaña
November 30, 2016–April 4, 2019
Succeeded by
Preceded by Archbishop of Agaña
April 4, 2019–March 28, 2023
Succeeded by
Ryan Jimenez (Archbishop-elect)