Very Rev. Robert Joerger, C.P., Provincial of the Passionists Fathers’ St. Paul of the Cross Province, issued the following statement:

“It was deep respect and admiration that we received word of Bishop Neil Tiedemann’s appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn.

“While we know the sadness of those in the Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica, West Indies, who have lost their beloved Bishop, we also know Bishop Neil will always carry them in his heart. His love for the poor, his zeal for evangelization, and his commitment to Catholic education undoubtedly came to the attention of Pope Francis who appointed this Brooklyn native to his hometown.

“Bishop Neil knows ‘the smell of the sheep’ and will dutifully assist Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio in shepherding the local Church of Brooklyn and Queens. The support and prayers of all his Passionist brothers and sisters accompany him.”