Catholic bishop to retire from Diocese of St. Augustine
Estevez will continue serving as the bishop until the pope accepts his letter of resignation, but the position may stay vacant for months.
Credit: Courtesy of Bob Mack / Florida Times-Union
Bishop Felipe Estevez. Published: 11:23 AM EST January 8, 2021 Updated: 11:23 AM EST January 8, 2021
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. The 10th bishop of the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine will officially submit a letter of resignation to Pope Francis on Feb. 5, according to diocesan officials.
Bishop Felipe Estevez will leave the office he has served since mid-2011 because the mandatory retirement age for bishops is 75.
As was done when Bishop Victor Galeone retired in 2011 after replacing John Snyder in 2001, the pope will make the ultimate decision as to who replaces Estevez.
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Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg says the period leading to Christmas Day typically is a busy one for the faithful.
Since reopening churches in May, the Diocese has seen a gradual increase in people coming to church each week during the pandemic.
The Advent season typically sees increased attendance at Catholic churches, leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
Like most things in 2020, COVID-19 is affecting how houses of worship will hold church services during Advent.
Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg says the period leading to Christmas Day typically is a busy one for the faithful.