US: New bishop brings hope to diocese in 'rust belt'

Bishop Donald Hying

When he first became parish priest, he used to ring his parishioners to wish them a happy birthday - averaging seven phone calls a day. Since his installation as leader of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana, on 5 January this year, Bishop Donald Hying, has been on a whirlwind tour in his VW Beetle, visiting parishes, schools and institutions to meet every priest and parishioner in his care.

Since the collapse of the steel industry in the area, the population of this city in the 'rust belt', 40 km south west of Chicago has declined by more than 50 per cent and large areas are derelict. There is high unemployment, decaying infrastructure, high crime, and low literacy levels.

Bishop Hying is profoundly affected by its dismal poverty and apocalyptic imagery. "I know I'm exactly where God wants me to be" he said. He hopes his feelings are never hijacked by complacency: "I never want the city's hardships to stop bothering me."

He is the youngest of six children - all boys. He served for four years in the Dominican Republic and speaks fluent Spanish.

Jerry Davich writes about him for the Chicago Tribune here: http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-82936446/

See also: Diocese of Gary www.dcgary.org/