Bensalem's Rev. Msgr. Edward M. Deliman to be Auxiliary Bishop

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput introduced Edward M. Deliman as an Auxiliary Bishop-elect for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, hours after it was announced Pope Francis promoted the Bucks County priest.

Archbishop Chaput will ordain Bishop-elect Deliman to the episcopacy on Aug. 18 in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Bishop-elect Deliman, 69, serves as pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem.

He reacted by saying, "I've been a priest for 43 years. I've loved and cherished every moment of it. To say that I'm humbled doesn't adequately express my feelings about this announcement, but I am.

"I'm grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for calling me to serve as an Auxiliary Bishop in our Archdiocese and I joyfully accept this moment as one of Grace in my life and in the life of the local Church.

"In particular, I want to express my thanks to Archbishop Chaput for his confidence, his support, and his guidance. This news was a complete and unexpected surprise to me and it's certainly been a lot to absorb. I look forward to working with him in the weeks and months ahead as I figure out what all of this means and learn more about what I'll be doing."

Bishop-elect Deliman earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity Degrees from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and was ordained by John Cardinal Krol in 1973.

He is bilingual and has been heavily involved in ministry to the Hispanic Catholic community for several years. Also, he serves on the board of Catholic Social Services.

Archbishop Chaput said, "Pope Francis' appointment of Bishop-elect Deliman continues a long tradition of priests from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia being recognized for their ability to serve as bishops. It also demonstrates the Holy Father's confidence in Bishop-elect Deliman, who has served our Archdiocese and its people with faithful dedication for many years. The new Bishop-elect is a humble man who loves the Priesthood and is tirelessly devoted to his ministry. He is greatly loved by the people he's served over the years. As more of the faithful in our local Church come to know him, I'm sure they will admire him with keen affection as well."

According to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, an auxiliary bishop assists the diocesan bishop by sharing in his pastoral and administrative work, and acting in his name. Like all bishops, auxiliaries are successors to the Apostles. Bishop-elect Deliman's specific duties will be defined in the coming weeks and months.

Until then, he'll remain as pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem.