Catholic faithful in Galesburg, Monmouth, Kewanee, and Peoria will officially have a new leader.
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria says Reverend Louis Tylka has been appointed by the Pope to replace Bishop Daniel Jenky when he retires in 2022 — the year Jenky turns 75 and therefore will be required to submit his resignation. In the meantime, Tylka will serve as what’s called “Coadjutor Bishop” and will assist Jenky.
Tylka had been pastor of a Catholic parish in the Chicago suburb of Tinley Park, ordained as a priest by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1996.
Jenky — who’s been in charge since 2002 — says in a letter he’s been experiencing mobility problems due to arthritis and spinal issues for more than a year, which led him to petition for help early.
A formal ordination and installation ceremony, though, is on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria covers Catholic churches in 26 Illinois counties, including Knox, Warren, and Henry in the immediate area.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report. Photo from The Catholic Post.)
