“Things are progressing… We hope that by the end of the month…” Without saying too much, Monsignor Pierre-Marie Carré gives a glimpse of the outcome of his interim period at the head of the diocese of Agen, which began in August 2023 and the acceptance, by the Pope, of the resignation of Monsignor…
“Things are progressing… We hope that by the end of the month…” Without saying too much, Monsignor Pierre-Marie Carré gives a glimpse of the outcome of his interim period at the head of the diocese of Agen, which began in August 2023 and the acceptance, by the Pope, of the resignation of Monsignor Herbreteau, due to age.
It must be said that the procedure for appointing a new bishop goes through numerous stages, recalled by the former archbishop of Montpellier. The apostolic nuncio in France proposes a list of three names, according to the issues of the diocese, to the Congregation for bishops in Rome. The suggestions are put to a vote, and the final decision made by the pope. The chosen priest is summoned by the nuncio, and his name disclosed to the Ministry of the Interior. At the end of this discreet procedure, the nomination is published by the press room of the Holy See, invariably at noon.
Monsignor Pierre-Marie Carré, archbishop emeritus of Montpellier, appointed apostolic administrator of the diocese of Agen until his successor takes canonical possession, has not been idle during the last few months. “Preparing for the Feast of the Ascension, most often the occasion of first communions,” occupies his daily agenda.
The Catholic Church is alive in the department »
Thursday May 9, he will visit the monks of the Sainte-Marie-de-la-Garde abbey, in Saint-Pierre-de-Clairac, while this weekend, he will participate, for the first time, in the celebration of Our Lady of Fatima, alongside the Portuguese communities of Aiguillon and Marcellus.
Stronger reality
“The Catholic Church is alive in the department, the celebration of Easter gave rise to beautiful assemblies, there are significant communities in town, and the arrival of African priests makes it possible to provide service in the parishes. » In these troubled times, Monsignor Pierre-Marie Carré notes, like other departments, the increase in the number of adults requesting baptism. “They correspond to a generation during which children were less baptized and who discovered the Christian faith. They may also see it as a way of returning to a more solid reality. »
This month of May will also be marked by the arrival of Monsignor Hubert Herbreteau, the first time since his last mass, in Lot-et-Garonne, and precisely at the Notre-Dame de Peyragude sanctuary in Penne-d’Agenais, on May 19. A nod to the last handover between the two men, while awaiting the ordination of the new bishop of Agen.
