Longview, TX — Pope Benedict XVI has named Monsignor Joseph Strickland as the fourth bishop for the Diocese of Tyler.

Strickland is the first “home grown” bishop of the diocese, said the Rev. Gavin Vaverek, pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Longview. Strickland grew up in Texarkana and Atlanta and has spent most of his priesthood in Tyler. He has also served parishes in Mount Pleasant and Nacogdoches.

Strickland, 53, said he is looking forward to his new position as shepherd of the diocese with 80,000 Catholics.

Read more from the Longview News-Journal.