Bishop resigns

Mystery surrounds the resignation April 7 of St. Catharines, Ont. Catholic Bishop James Wingle who said he no longer has the stamina to properly fulfil his duties. “I believe that my resignation will serve not only my own spiritual and personal wellbeing, but the good of the diocese and the church as well,” the 63-year-old bishop wrote in a four-paragraph message on the diocesan website. He also wrote, “If my shortcomings and limitations have caused any disappointment, I ask for God’s mercy and your understanding.” The Vatican has accepted his resignation. A diocesan official said Wingle did not inform the staff of the Catholic Centre of his intention to resign before posting his message to the website. Wingle was ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Pembroke, Ont., in 1974 and worked there until 1993 when he was named Bishop of Yarmouth, N.S.