Archbishop Aymond reflects on canon law as 75th birthday approaches

Archbishop Gregory Aymond will turn 75 years old on Nov. 12, the date on which he is required by canon law to submit his resignation letter to the pope, who may accept the resignation or ask that he remain as archbishop of New Orleans. Archbishop Aymond writes the following reflection for the people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

As many of you may know, I will turn 75 years old on Nov. 12, and, in accordance with canon law (No. 401, paragraph 1), I will submit a letter of resignation to the Holy Father on that date. 
Canon law stipulates that each bishop, on his 75th birthday, must submit his letter of resignation to the pope. The letter actually is mailed to the papal nuncio to the United States – Cardinal Christophe Pierre – who then forwards it to Pope Francis.

I have offered to remain in office until the archdiocesan reorganization (bankruptcy) process is completed. It is up to Pope Francis whether he accepts my resignation or asks me to remain through the completion of the reorganization process.

In recent times, it is not unusual for a bishop to remain in office for some length of time after the celebration of his 75th birthday. Once again, that is the decision of the Holy Father as to who will assume the leadership of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and I expect to find out from him in the near future what his preference is according to canon law.

As I encounter this important moment in my life, I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to have been ordained to the priesthood nearly 50 years ago and to have served as a bishop the past 27 years. It also has been a privilege to have served Christ and his church, and, in a particular way, the church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, as archbishop for more than 15 years.

As we continue working toward a conclusion to the reorganization process, which we hope will bring some measure of healing to the survivors of sexual abuse, I am pleased that we have recently completed the non-monetary commitments that cause us to appreciate our effective safe environment program to prevent abuse from happening in the future. It also has given us the opportunity to strengthen these safe environment guidelines and requirements. We hope to finalize the monetary portion of the bankruptcy as soon as possible.

For me, personally, the whole process is about bringing healing to the survivors of sexual abuse. These survivors remain in my daily prayers, and I will be available to meet with anyone who wishes to have a personal meeting with me or to meet with me in a group setting.

We have seen recent progress in the mediation process, and I pray daily that this can be completed as soon as possible in order to bring justice to the survivors.

As I look back on my last 15-plus years as archbishop of New Orleans, I am grateful to God and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful, because this has been a time of blessing in many ways. 

It is evident to me that the church is strong. People are committed to Christ and to the mission of the church. I think it's significant to note that Mass attendance has increased, and there are other signs that the church is alive and committed to the mission of Jesus Christ.

May God continue to bless the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. 

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to clarion [email protected].