03 February 2008

Overview: Province of Idaho, Montana, and Oregon

This province is composed of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, along with its four suffragans: Baker (in Oregon), Boise City (in Idaho), Great Falls-Billings (Montana) and Helena (Montana).

Archbishop John George Vlazny is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. He turns 71 later this month. He is assisted by an Auxiliary Bishop (Steiner) who is a few months older.

The Diocese of Baker is led by Bishop Robert Francis Vasa (56). His 8th anniversary of consecration as a bishop was about a week ago. He is at an age and experience level that he might be considered for other posts. Curiously, his only predecessor that did that was the first, Bishop O'Reilly, who became the Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska. That is also where Bishop Vasa served as a priest.

Bishop Michael Patrick Driscoll (68) is the leader of the Diocese of Boise City. He has been in this post for about 9 years.

The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings just recently received its new ordinary, Bishop Michael William Warfel (59). He was installed last month after having served as Bishop of Juneau, Alaska for 11 years.

Bishop George Leo Thomas (57) is the head of the Diocese of Helena. He also celebrated his 8th anniversary as a bishop last week.

Overall, it seems likely that this province will be quite stable in terms of its hierarchy for the rest of the year. The one possible exception being Bishop Vasa as mentioned before.

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