CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will receive its new bishop on Thursday, a month after he was introduced to Catholics across the state.
Bishop Mark Brennan, 72, will be installed after most recently serving as the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He replaces former Bishop Michael Bransfield, who resigned last September. An investigation looked into allegations of sexual and financial misconduct by Bransfield, who was later stripped of his ability to take part in church activities.
Allegations against Bransfield include purchasing expensive home renovations and private jet travel, as well as sexually harassing younger priests. He served as bishop between 2005 and 2018.
Archbishop William Lori, the archbishop of Baltimore, has overseen the diocese since Bransfield’s departure.
Brennan was appointed auxiliary bishop for the Archbishop of Baltimore in December 2016.
The formal installation is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.