Bishop Jung changes vicar general

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“Alter Ego”, this is how vicars general are often called: the other self of the bishop. According to information, Franz Jung’s alter ego will in future be pastor Jürgen Vorndran. There is a place in their résumés to which both have a special connection: Rome. Both studied there and lived in the Jesuit-led Collegium Germanicum.

However, this is not critical. Rather, the ecclesiastical code Codex Juris Canonici specifies the requirement profile: Accordingly, the “Vicarius generalis” is the general representative of the local bishop or second man in the diocese. He heads the Episcopal Ordinariate, the administrative center. According to Canon 478, the vicar general must be a priest and not less than 30 years old. He is said to have a doctorate in canon law or theology – “or at least be really experienced in these disciplines” and “proven by orthodoxy, righteousness, prudence and practical administrative experience”. Canon 479 stipulates that the Vicar General, through his office, has full executive power throughout the diocese that the diocesan bishop has a legal right to enact all administrative acts. The only exceptions are those which the bishop reserves himself or which legally require a special mandate from the bishop.

Before taking over the management of the diocese administration, Kessler was dean of the deanery of Bad Kissingen as well as pastor and leader of the parish community “Jesus – source of life” – and emergency pastor. When Friedhelm Hofmann appointed him vicar general, he was said to be shocked and – to digest the decision better – had the need for a schnapps. The down-to-earth wish of his former Mürsbach housewife then helped him: “You don’t have to hang up the sky, it already hangs.”

The main concern of Kessler was the parish reform. It has not yet come to an end. In addition, a few weeks ago he appointed Christine Schrappe, the first woman, to head a main department – that too was a long process.

At the beginning of the year, Jürgen Vorndran, together with the chair of the dean’s office, Helga Neudert, presented the plans for the pastoral care of the future around Würzburg in conversation with this editorial team. Vorndran’s successor as a cathedral priest will continue the “new spatial philosophy” or “networking and mutual support” of the parishes. According to information from this editorial office, this should be Peter Göttke, pastor in the “Pastoral Area Sankt Benedikt” around Wiesentheid.

Officially, the diocese is still covering the personnel planning: “We do not comment on this request,” said diocese spokesman Bernhard Schweßinger.

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• Wurzburg

• Christine Jeske

• Bishops

• Diocese of Würzburg

• Dioceses

• Franz Jung

• Friedhelm Hofmann

• Clergy and priests

• Vicars General

• Jürgen Vorndran

• Churches and main organizations of individual religions

• Pastors and pastors

• Thomas Kessler

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